Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday, citing an impending funding shortfall caused by what he called the “Democrat Shutdown,” which he said could deplete Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for more than 850,000 Virginians starting November 1, 2025, as reported by Fox News.

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“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting Nov. 1, 2025,” Youngkin said from Richmond.

“I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.”

Youngkin urged Virginia’s Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, to vote in favor of ending the shutdown through a clean continuing resolution, a measure Republicans have proposed in Congress.

“This is an extraordinary action and is only necessary because of the shamelessness of congressional Democrats — including every Democrat in our entire delegation — who refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the federal government,” Youngkin said.

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The governor’s order will allow Virginia to use state-level emergency funds to continue providing food benefits until federal funding resumes. Youngkin said the state would not allow families to go without support due to what he described as political gridlock in Washington.

“The state of emergency enables us to ensure continuity of essential nutrition programs,” Youngkin added. “We will continue providing food benefits to qualified Virginians until congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics.”

Youngkin also thanked President Donald Trump for backing his decision. “I’m grateful to President Trump for supporting our efforts to protect Virginians during this crisis,” he said.

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Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to succeed Youngkin, echoed the governor’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted food assistance. “At Governor Youngkin’s direction, food benefits will be provided without interruption to support Virginia families,” Earle-Sears said in a statement.

The Department of Agriculture has warned that SNAP funding could begin to lapse nationally in early November if Congress fails to reach an agreement. Virginia’s emergency declaration makes it the first state to officially extend benefits through state intervention.

Other states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois, have issued warnings about the possible suspension of benefits but have not yet declared emergencies or announced backup funding measures.

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As the standoff in Washington continues, Youngkin’s declaration underscores growing state-level concern over the federal government’s inability to pass a spending bill, with governors preparing to fill the gap for residents most affected by the shutdown.

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