Chris Christie

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Chris Christie
BornChristopher James Christie
6 9, 1962
BirthplaceNewark, New Jersey, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, lawyer, political commentator
Known for55th Governor of New Jersey, United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, 2016 and 2024 Republican presidential candidate
EducationUniversity of Delaware (BA)
Seton Hall University School of Law (JD)
Children4

Christopher James Christie (born September 6, 1962) is an American politician, lawyer, and political commentator who served as the 55th Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. A member of the Republican Party, Christie first entered the national spotlight as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008, during which time he oversaw the convictions of 130 public officials on corruption charges. His governorship was defined by fiscal austerity measures, property tax reform, and a prominent role in recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Christie sought the Republican presidential nomination twice — in 2016 and 2024 — and became one of the most visible figures within the party during the 2010s. Once a close ally of Donald Trump, Christie later emerged as one of the former president's most prominent Republican critics, particularly following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Since leaving public office, Christie has worked as a political commentator and strategic advisor, remaining an outspoken voice within Republican politics on issues ranging from gaming regulation to intra-party debates over the direction of the GOP.[1]

Early Life

Christopher James Christie was born on September 6, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey. He was raised in a middle-class family in the Garden State, growing up in Livingston.[2] His upbringing in New Jersey would prove foundational to his political identity; throughout his career, Christie frequently invoked his roots in the state and his familiarity with its political culture.

Christie developed an interest in politics at an early age. He became involved in Republican politics as a teenager, volunteering for Thomas Kean's 1977 gubernatorial campaign. He later volunteered again for Kean's successful 1981 gubernatorial campaign, an experience that deepened his commitment to the Republican Party and to New Jersey politics.[3] The Kean campaigns gave Christie early exposure to the mechanics of statewide elections and the coalition-building necessary to win in a state that, while often competitive, leaned Democratic in many elections.

Christie's family background included a mix of Irish and Sicilian heritage, contributing to his identity within New Jersey's diverse cultural landscape.[4] His early life and formative political experiences in the suburbs of northern New Jersey shaped both his moderate-to-conservative political outlook and his direct, often confrontational rhetorical style, which would become a hallmark of his public career.

Education

Christie attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. He was active in student government during his time at the university, further cultivating his interest in politics and public service.[5]

Following his undergraduate studies, Christie pursued a law degree at Seton Hall University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.). His legal education prepared him for a career in law and government, and he was admitted to the New Jersey bar. Christie's legal training at Seton Hall proved particularly relevant to his later work as a federal prosecutor and as the United States Attorney for New Jersey, where his courtroom experience and understanding of the state's legal landscape became central to his professional reputation.[6]

Career

Early Political Career: Morris County Freeholder

Christie's first foray into elected office came in 1994, when he ran for and won a seat on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders (the county's legislative body). He served as a freeholder from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1997.[7] His tenure on the board gave him experience in local governance, budgeting, and the kinds of constituent service that would later inform his statewide campaigns.

However, Christie's 1994 campaign was not without controversy. He faced criticism for making several false statements about his opponent's legal issues during the race, a controversy that would follow him into his reelection bid.[8] This criticism contributed to his defeat in the 1996 Republican primary, ending his tenure as a freeholder after a single term.[9]

Despite this early setback, Christie remained active in Republican politics. He became a prominent fundraiser and party operative in New Jersey, building relationships that would later prove instrumental in his career. He worked for George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, serving as a bundler and raising significant funds for the eventual president. This work positioned Christie as a key Republican figure in New Jersey and drew the attention of the Bush administration.[5]

United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey

In 2001, following George W. Bush's inauguration, the new president nominated Christie as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Christie assumed the post on January 17, 2002, succeeding Robert J. Cleary.[10] He held the position until December 1, 2008, when he resigned to pursue the governorship.

During his nearly seven years as U.S. Attorney, Christie built a formidable record as a corruption prosecutor. He oversaw the convictions of 130 public officials from both local and state levels of government, establishing himself as a crusader against the political corruption for which New Jersey had long been notorious.[11] The scope of these prosecutions crossed party lines, targeting both Democrats and Republicans, and lent Christie a bipartisan reputation for integrity and toughness in law enforcement.

His tenure as U.S. Attorney also drew some scrutiny. Critics questioned certain aspects of his office's use of deferred prosecution agreements and the selection of outside monitors for companies under investigation. Nevertheless, his overall record as a prosecutor was widely cited during his subsequent gubernatorial campaign as evidence of his commitment to clean government and his capacity for executive leadership.[12]

Governor of New Jersey

First Term (2010–2014)

Christie entered the 2009 Republican gubernatorial primary and won the nomination, setting up a general election contest against Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine. The race was closely watched nationally, as New Jersey was considered a reliably blue state and a Republican victory would signal broader dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party. Christie campaigned on a platform of fiscal discipline, property tax reform, and anti-corruption, leveraging his record as U.S. Attorney.[13]

Christie defeated Corzine in the November 2009 general election and was inaugurated as the 55th Governor of New Jersey on January 19, 2010, with Kim Guadagno serving as his lieutenant governor.

In his first term, Christie pursued an aggressive fiscal agenda. He cut state spending, engaged in high-profile confrontations with public employee unions over benefits and pensions, and signed legislation capping annual property tax increases at two percent. These measures drew both praise from fiscal conservatives and criticism from labor groups and public sector employees.[14]

Christie's national profile rose dramatically in October 2012, when Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey coastline. His response to the disaster — including visible collaboration with President Barack Obama in the storm's aftermath — earned him bipartisan praise for his leadership during the crisis. His willingness to work across party lines during the emergency, however, drew criticism from some Republicans who felt his public praise of Obama's response complicated Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in the final days before the 2012 presidential election.[15]

Reelection and Second Term (2014–2018)

Riding high approval ratings fueled by his Hurricane Sandy response, Christie won reelection in November 2013 by a wide margin, defeating Democratic State Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono. His decisive victory — in a state where registered Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans — was seen as evidence of his crossover appeal and further fueled speculation about a potential presidential run.

Christie's second term, however, was marked by a series of controversies that significantly damaged his political standing. The most prominent of these was the Fort Lee lane closure scandal, commonly known as "Bridgegate," in which members of Christie's administration were found to have orchestrated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September 2013, apparently as political retribution against the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, who had declined to endorse Christie's reelection. The scandal led to federal criminal charges against several Christie aides and associates, and though Christie himself was not charged, the affair badly tarnished his image and his poll numbers declined sharply.[16]

His second term was also marked by criticism of his frequent absences from the state, including extended time spent campaigning for the presidency and attending events outside New Jersey. By the final years of his governorship, his approval ratings had fallen to historic lows for a New Jersey governor.

During the 2014 campaign cycle, Christie served as chair of the Republican Governors Association, a position he held from November 21, 2013, to November 20, 2014, succeeding Bobby Jindal and preceding Bill Haslam. In this role, he helped raise funds and campaign for Republican gubernatorial candidates across the country, further expanding his national political network.

Christie also chaired the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis from March 29, 2017, to November 1, 2017, appointed by President Donald Trump. The commission issued recommendations on addressing the opioid epidemic, though critics noted that many of its recommendations were not fully implemented.

Christie's term as governor expired on January 16, 2018, and he was succeeded by Democrat Phil Murphy.

2016 Presidential Campaign

On June 30, 2015, Christie announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 presidential election. He positioned himself as a straight-talking executive with a proven record of bipartisan governance, emphasizing his experience as governor and U.S. Attorney. However, the Bridgegate scandal and declining approval ratings in New Jersey hampered his candidacy from the outset.

Christie's campaign struggled to gain traction in a crowded Republican field that eventually coalesced around Donald Trump. He invested heavily in New Hampshire, hoping that a strong performance in the state's primary would provide momentum. Despite a notable debate performance in which he confronted Senator Marco Rubio over his perceived reliance on rehearsed talking points, Christie finished in sixth place in the New Hampshire primary in February 2016 and suspended his campaign shortly thereafter.

Following his withdrawal from the race, Christie became one of the first major Republican figures to endorse Donald Trump's candidacy, an endorsement that surprised many given the two men's previous rivalry.[17] Christie was subsequently named head of Trump's presidential transition team, though he was later replaced in that role by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

Relationship with Donald Trump and Break

Christie's relationship with Donald Trump has been one of the defining narratives of his post-gubernatorial career. After endorsing Trump in 2016 and playing a prominent role in his campaign, Christie remained a close ally during the early years of the Trump presidency. He was reportedly considered for several cabinet positions, including Attorney General, though none materialized.

The relationship fractured following the 2020 presidential election, when Trump refused to accept his loss to Joe Biden and promoted unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. Christie publicly broke with Trump over these claims, and his criticism sharpened after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Christie called on the Republican Party to move beyond Trump, arguing that the former president's conduct posed a danger to democratic norms and the party's future electoral prospects.

2024 Presidential Campaign

On June 6, 2023, Christie announced his second campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 presidential election, launching his bid at a town hall event in Manchester, New Hampshire.[18] His campaign was notable for its direct and sustained criticism of Donald Trump, distinguishing Christie from most other candidates in the Republican primary field who were reluctant to attack the frontrunner.

Despite his outspoken stance, Christie's polling numbers remained in the single digits throughout most of the campaign. He ultimately withdrew from the race before voting began in the primary contests, acknowledging that his path to the nomination had become untenable but maintaining that his candidacy had been necessary to provide a voice of opposition to Trump within the party.

Post-Political Career and Commentary

After leaving the governorship in 2018, Christie registered as a lobbyist in 2020. He has since worked as a political commentator, appearing frequently on major news programs and as a contributor to media organizations. He has also served as a strategic advisor to the American Gaming Association, weighing in on regulatory issues affecting the gaming and sports betting industries.[19]

Christie has remained a vocal participant in Republican intra-party debates. In early 2026, he claimed that many Republican colleagues, including Senator Lindsey Graham, had privately expressed support for his criticism of Trump despite publicly praising the president.[20][21] He has also commented on the Republican Party's electoral challenges in New Jersey, attributing GOP losses in the state to Trump's unpopularity among suburban voters.[22]

Christie has been associated with the "Never Trump" movement within the Republican Party, though divisions within this faction over future strategy and leadership were evident at a 2026 summit of anti-Trump Republicans.[23]

Personal Life

Christie married Mary Pat Foster, whom he met while both were students at the University of Delaware. Mary Pat Christie pursued a career in finance, working on Wall Street, and the couple settled in Mendham Township, Morris County, New Jersey.[24][25] The couple has four children.

Christie is a noted fan of Bruce Springsteen and has spoken publicly on numerous occasions about his admiration for the musician, having attended over 100 Springsteen concerts. Despite Christie's enthusiasm, Springsteen — a vocal supporter of Democratic candidates — did not reciprocate the admiration publicly for most of Christie's career. However, in 2012, following Hurricane Sandy, Springsteen and Christie shared a notable embrace at a benefit concert, a moment that received considerable media attention.[26]

Christie delivered a commencement address at Rutgers University in 2010 and also addressed graduates at Monmouth University during his governorship.[27][28]

In October 2020, Christie was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, spending seven days in intensive care. The experience prompted him to advocate for mask-wearing and public health precautions during the pandemic.

Recognition

During his governorship, Christie received national attention and recognition for his leadership during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. His direct style of communication and willingness to engage in public confrontations with both political opponents and constituents became a defining feature of his public persona, earning him both admirers and detractors.

Christie's tenure as U.S. Attorney, during which he oversaw the convictions of 130 public officials, was frequently cited as one of the most prolific anti-corruption records of any federal prosecutor in the country.[11] His gubernatorial campaigns, particularly his 2013 reelection victory, were studied by political analysts as examples of Republican crossover appeal in a blue state.

His role in the 2016 presidential primary debate, in which he challenged Marco Rubio, was considered one of the most memorable moments of the 2016 Republican primary season. Christie's 2024 presidential campaign, while unsuccessful, was recognized for its willingness to directly criticize the Republican frontrunner, a stance that set it apart from other campaigns in the field.

Christie has served in advisory and commentating roles since leaving office, contributing to national discussions on gaming regulation, political strategy, and the direction of the Republican Party.

Legacy

Chris Christie's legacy in American politics is shaped by his roles as a federal prosecutor, two-term governor, and two-time presidential candidate. His record as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, where he led a sustained campaign against public corruption, remains one of the most cited aspects of his career. As governor, his first term was marked by fiscal reforms and a bipartisan response to Hurricane Sandy that elevated him to the front rank of Republican politicians nationally.

His second term, however, was overshadowed by the Bridgegate scandal and declining approval ratings, complicating his presidential ambitions. His endorsement of Donald Trump in 2016 and subsequent role in Trump's political orbit represented a pivotal chapter, followed by an equally notable break with the former president after 2020. Christie's willingness to criticize Trump publicly — while claiming that many Republicans shared his views privately — positioned him as a prominent voice in the intra-party debate over the future of the Republican Party.[29]

In New Jersey, Christie's governorship left a mixed legacy. Supporters credit him with imposing fiscal discipline and reforming public employee benefits, while critics point to the Bridgegate scandal, declining infrastructure investment, and the state's credit rating downgrades during his tenure. His observation that Trump's unpopularity contributed to Republican electoral losses in New Jersey reflects his continued engagement with the political dynamics of his home state.[30]

Christie's career arc — from county freeholder to federal prosecutor to governor to presidential candidate to party dissident — illustrates the volatility of American political careers in the early 21st century and the challenges faced by Republican figures who sought to chart a course independent of the Trump movement.

References

  1. ↑ "Chris Christie Topics".The New York Times.http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/christopher_j_christie/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  2. ↑ "Christie: A need to lead, honed in youth".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/christie_a_need_to_lead_honed.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  3. ↑ "Portrait of the Governor as a Young Man".Politico.http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/portrait-of-the-governor-as-a-young-man-chris-christie-103502_Page3.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  4. ↑ "Christie family genealogy".RootsWeb.http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/celeb/christie.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Christie: A need to lead, honed in youth".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/christie_a_need_to_lead_honed.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  6. ↑ "An impressive resume".NJ.com.http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2008/11/an_impressive_resume.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  7. ↑ "Political career in three parts: Chris Christie, freeholder".PolitickerNJ.http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  8. ↑ "Political Family Tree: Christie".Political Family Tree.http://www.politicalfamilytree.com/samples%20content/members/candidates_2009-10/Christie-NJ-1.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  9. ↑ "The Hanover Eagle, November 14, 1996".Digifind-it.com.http://www.digifind-it.com/easthanover/The%20Hanover%20Eagle/1996/1996-11-14.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  10. ↑ "An impressive resume".NJ.com.http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2008/11/an_impressive_resume.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "NJ.com coverage of Christie corruption cases".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1251251115315720.xml&coll=1.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  12. ↑ "An impressive resume".NJ.com.http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2008/11/an_impressive_resume.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  13. ↑ "Gov. Corzine, Chris Christie trade barbs".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/gov_corzine_chris_christie_tra.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  14. ↑ "GOP candidate Chris Christie leads".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  15. ↑ "In New Jersey and across America, Chris Christie casts a big shadow".The Daily Beast.http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/07/in-new-jersey-and-across-america-chris-christie-casts-a-big-shadow.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  16. ↑ "Chris Christie Topics".The New York Times.http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/christopher_j_christie/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  17. ↑ "Trump, Christie: This week in Central Jersey history".Central New Jersey News.2026-02-23.https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/history/new-jersey/2026/02/23/nj-history-for-feb-23-march-1/88660078007/.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  18. ↑ "Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a gathering on June 6, 2023, in Manchester, N.H.".Sandusky Register.https://sanduskyregister.com/photo-single/916598/?mode=team.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  19. ↑ "Polymarket and Kalshi are violating laws in all 50 states, says Chris Christie".CNBC.2026-02-20.https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/02/20/polymarket-and-kalshi-are-violating-laws-in-all-50-states-says-chris-christie.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  20. ↑ "Chris Christie: Graham among Republicans calling him 'brave' for Trump opposition".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5731221-chris-christie-lindsey-graham-support-trump-opposition/.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  21. ↑ "Chris Christie tells Bill Maher that Republicans talk very differently about Donald Trump behind closed doors".Yahoo News.https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/chris-christie-tells-bill-maher-163955398.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  22. ↑ "Ex-Gov. Chris Christie claims Trump is political liability in NJ after Mikie Sherrill win".New York Post.2026-02-01.https://nypost.com/2026/02/01/us-news/trump-is-political-liability-for-gop-in-nj-ex-gov-christie-says/.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  23. ↑ "A Fractured 'Never Trump' Movement Eyes an Uncertain Future".The New York Times.2026-02-22.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/us/politics/anti-trump-republicans-divisions-2028-president.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  24. ↑ "Mary Pat Christie readies for role as first lady".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/mary_pat_christie_readies_for.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  25. ↑ "Meet the spouses of the 2016 presidential contenders".National Journal.http://www.nationaljournal.com/pictures-video/meet-the-spouses-of-the-2016-presidential-contenders-20150413.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  26. ↑ "Chris Christie finally wins Bruce Springsteen's affection".The Atlantic Wire.http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/11/chris-christie-finally-wins-bruce-springsteens-affection/58602.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  27. ↑ "Rutgers graduates largest class".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/rutgers_graduates_largest_clas.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  28. ↑ "Monmouth University seniors prepare for graduation".NJ.com.http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/monmouth_university_seniors_pr.html.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  29. ↑ "Chris Christie: Graham among Republicans calling him 'brave' for Trump opposition".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5731221-chris-christie-lindsey-graham-support-trump-opposition/.Retrieved 2026-02-25.
  30. ↑ "Ex-Gov. Chris Christie claims Trump is political liability in NJ after Mikie Sherrill win".New York Post.2026-02-01.https://nypost.com/2026/02/01/us-news/trump-is-political-liability-for-gop-in-nj-ex-gov-christie-says/.Retrieved 2026-02-25.

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