The Food Depot 2026 Candidate Questionnaire Primary Candidates In support of voter education and as a 501(c)(3), food banks can create, distribute, and publish a candidate questionnaire. The Food Depot cannot support or oppose candidates for office or coordinate activities with political campaigns. This campaign season, The Food Depot created a food-security questionnaire and sent questions to candidates running for NM governor, Lt. governor, and candidates in contested House district races in our service area. We’re grateful to candidates who took time to participate. All responses have been unedited and we are sharing them so you can read directly from the candidates on positions related to a healthy, hunger-free New Mexico.
Question 1: The work of New Mexico’s food banks is currently supported partially by GRO funds through the action of the legislature. Given all the demands on state resources, how, if you choose to do so, will you commit to supporting state funding for New Mexico’s food banks in the 2027 state legislative budget? CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR Sam Bregman: No child, senior, or working parent should go hungry in New Mexico. I will fight to protect and strengthen state support for food banks in the 2027 budget because food security is basic security. I’ll prioritize stable funding through GRO and other recurring revenue sources, not one-time fixes. I’ll also demand accountability: faster distribution, better rural reach, and stronger partnerships with farmers and community groups. When families are struggling with grocery costs, government should step up not step back. Deb Haaland: As a single mom, I relied on food stamps and WIC, and I know what it means when someone is there to help your family eat. Food banks are essential infrastructure and an investment that pays back. It’s hard for hungry kids to learn and hungry adults to work. As federal cuts squeeze SNAP, state dollars need to grow with the need. As Governor, I will work with the legislature to protect and push to increase GRO funding for our food banks in the 2027 budget, and consult directly with The Food Depot and partners to set those priorities. Gregg Hull: New Mexico's food banks deliver results efficiently and deserve stable support. As governor, I will work to protect GRO funding for food banks within a disciplined budget process that prioritizes high-impact, accountable programs. Rather than simply increasing spending, I'll push for outcome-based funding models that reward food banks for measurable results. I'll also work to reduce the regulatory burden on private donors and businesses that partner with food banks, maximizing the impact of every public dollar by leveraging it against private investment and community generosity.