Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is set to announce his candidacy for president of the United States next week, according to a report from Axios.
Christie, 60, is a former close ally of former President Donald Trump, but he has since become a vocal critic of the former president. In a recent interview, Christie called Trump a “coward” and a “puppet of Putin.”
Christie is a moderate Republican who is seen as a potential challenger to Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. He is a strong fundraiser and has a proven track record of winning elections in swing states.
Christie’s announcement comes at a time when the Republican Party is deeply divided. Trump remains a popular figure among many Republicans, but he also has a number of detractors. Christie is hoping to appeal to Republicans who are looking for an alternative to Trump.
Christie is expected to make the announcement at a town hall at Saint Anselm College at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
According to a report from Axis, here’s what to expect from a Christie candidacy, per his team:
- Being joyful and hitting a more hopeful note aimed at America’s “exhausted majority.”
- Being authentic — a happy warrior who speaks his mind, takes risks and is happy to punch Donald Trump in the nose. Christie’s recent interviews and New Hampshire town halls aim to recapture the brio of his 2009 governor’s race.
- Running a national race — “a non-traditional campaign that is highly focused on earned media, mixing it up in the news cycle and engaging Trump,” an adviser said. “Will not be geographic dependent, but nimble.”
Christie’s campaign is likely to focus on his experience as governor of New Jersey and his record of bipartisanship. He is also likely to criticize Biden and the Democrats for their handling of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christie faces an uphill battle in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Trump is still the clear frontrunner, and he has a large and loyal following among Republicans. However, Christie is a formidable candidate, and he could emerge as a serious contender if Trump falters.
Imagine if all these phony university polls actually polled states with actual candidates, instead of fake national polls with obvious non-candidates.
— Neil Stevens (@presjpolk) May 30, 2023
