Former New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie made a bold entry into the 2024 race for the White House on Tuesday. In filing his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, Christie presented himself as a skilled political fighter and the only candidate brave enough to take on the incumbent, Donald Trump.
The 60-year-old Newark native, who finished sixth in the New Hampshire primary seven years ago and ultimately endorsed Trump, has now taken on the task of dealing a blow to the former president. Their relationship soured when Trump refused to accept his defeat in the 2020 election, prompting Christie to cut ties.
Christy wasted no time pouncing on her former friend. Last month, he accused Trump of being “scared” to debate formidable opponents, and suggested that if Trump truly cared about the country, he should face his opponents on stage. Trump has indicated he may skip some of the early Republican primary debates to avoid sharing the spotlight with lower-polling rivals.
The former New Jersey governor has criticized Trump on several fronts, highlighting the ongoing criminal investigation surrounding the billionaire and condemning his baseless claims of election fraud. Christie even called Trump “Putin’s puppet” for his isolationist stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Former Fox News Election Night Decision Desk chief John Ellis believes Christie’s relentless attacks on Trump could put the front-runner on the defensive. Ellis suggested that Christie’s campaign would gain significant media coverage, particularly in the mainstream press, which could help him do well in New Hampshire.
Interestingly, Christie’s announcement comes just a day after former Vice President Mike Pence also filed paperwork for his White House bid, setting the stage for a unique scenario where two former Colleagues became rivals. Pence plans to launch his campaign in the early-voting state of Iowa, joining a crowded field that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, considered Trump’s closest challenger. Other candidates in the race include former Gov. Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson, with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum soon to announce his candidacy.
Although polls consistently show Trump leading, often leading DeSantis by more than 30 points, the former president faces multiple criminal investigations into his personal and professional conduct. Legal experts expect more indictments against Trump in the near future, including the mishandling of official documents taken without White House authorization and improperly stored at his Florida residence. is from