Christopher James "Chris" Christie (born September 6, 1962) is an American politician. In 2010, he became the 55th Governor of New Jersey. He was the first Republican to win a statewide election in New Jersey in 12 years. He left the office on January 16, 2018.
Some people thought Christie was a leading candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2016.[1][2][3] He announced his presidential campaign on June 30, 2015. After poor polling numbers and not winning the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, Christie suspended his campaign on February 10, 2016. On July 12, 2016, it was reported that Christie was on Trump's three-person shortlist to be his running mate in the general election.[4] On July 14, 2016, the Trump campaign announced that Governor of IndianaMike Pence would be Trump's running mate. In March 2017, it was announced Christie was to chair the Trump administration's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission.[5]
As governor, Christie has promised not to raise taxes. He has also vowed to lower the state income and business taxes. On September 18, 2013, Christie signed legislation to overhaul the state's business tax incentive programs.
Christie is a strong supporter of the state granting tax credits to parents who send their children to private and parochial schools.[7]
He also supports the introduction of state-funded vouchers, which parents of students in failing school districts could use to pay the tuition of private schools.
Christie has stated that he believes that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is too big and is "killing business" with permit delays. In January 2013 Christie vetoed a New Jersey Legislature bill that would have raised the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 per hour.[8][9] Christie supports gay marriage, but said that he would not pass a bill allowing gay marriage in New Jersey. He also supports the DREAM Act and illegal immigrants.
On June 27, 2015, Christie launched his presidential campaign website. He announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election on June 30, 2015.[10][11] After poor polling numbers and not winning the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, Christie suspended his campaign on February 10, 2016. He later endorsed Donald Trump.[12]
Despite having criticized Donald Trump prior to leaving the race,[13] he endorsed Trump on February 26, 2016.[14] On May 9, 2016, Trump named Christie to head up a transition team in the event of a Trump presidency.[15] He soon emerged as a major power with the Trump campaign.[16] It was then announced on July 12, 2016 that Trump had narrowed down his vice presidential shortlist to three candidates, including Christie.[4]Mike Pence eventually became Trump's running mate.
Criticism of Trump
After Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, Christie refused to support Trump's claims of a stolen election.[17] On election night, Christie spoke with one of Trump's sons and later texted Eric Trump asking for proof of election fraud.[18] During the January 6 Capitol attack, Christie called Trump to tell him to end the violence. Trump did not pick up.[19] Following the attack, Christie blamed Trump for January 6 and voiced support for Trump's impeachment.[20]
In June 2023, Christie announced his second presidential campaign at a town hall event in New Hampshire.[21] Despite polling in third and second place for the New Hampshire primary, Christie dropped out on January 10, 2024 as several Republican critics of Trump urged him to do so.[22]
Personal life
He has been married to Mary Pat Foster since 1986. They have four children.
On October 3, 2020, Christie tested positive for COVID-19[23] and was admitted to a hospital in New Jersey that same day, citing asthma as an underlying health concern.[24]
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