Returning to his high school roots in Livingston, NJ, Gov. Chris Christie officially became the 14th Republican presidential candidate when he declared his political intention at a rally-style announcement event. Saying that he’s “…not looking to be prom king of America," the Governor elaborated, telling the assembled supporters and media that, "I mean what I say and I say what I mean and that's what America needs right now."
Mr. Christie has a long way to go in order to propel himself into the top tier of Republican candidates. Languishing in mid-single digits in most polls, usually with an upside down personal favorability ratio, Mr. Christie will have a difficult time developing a path to the GOP nomination. Positioning himself to the left of the typical Republican primary voter with a brash personal style that many people find offensive, the Governor will have to rebuild his personal image before he can hope to effectively compete for the nomination.
On the other hand, he has a fair chance of accumulating a significant number of delegates. New Jersey, with 51 delegates, is one of seven Winner-Take-All states meaning that Mr. Christie could place first with a small plurality of votes equaling just a fraction of the support he received during his two gubernatorial campaigns. Assuming he collects other delegates in the proportional states, and should the nomination be decided in a brokered convention, Mr. Christie could find himself in an influential position to help determine the final outcome.
The presidential contest also includes former Governor Jeb Bush (R-Fla.), Dr. Ben Carson (R), former Governor Lincoln Chafee (D-R.I.), former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D), US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), businesswoman Carly Fiorina (R), US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.), Governor Bobby Jindal (R-La.), former Governor Martin O’Malley (D-Md.), US Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), former Governor George Pataki (R-N.Y.), former Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas), US Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former US Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), and businessman Donald Trump (R).
Considering a bid are Vice President Joe Biden (D) who will decide by August 1, Governor John Kasich (R-Ohio) who is expected to enter the field on July 21, Governor Scott Walker (R-Wis.) who will announce in July, and former US Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.).
For more information, please contact David Ashinoff at ashinoffd@agc.org or (202) 547-5013. Return to Top