New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Name	Chris Christie
Caption	Christie in 2014
Birth name	Christopher James Christie
Birth date	November 6, 1962
Birth place	Newark, New Jersey
Party	Republican Party
Spouse	Mary Pat Christie
Alma mater	University of Delaware; Rutgers School of Law–Newark
Office	55th Governor of New Jersey
Term start	January 19, 2010
Term end	January 16, 2018
Predecessor	Jon Corzine
Successor	Phil Murphy

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is an American politician and attorney who served as the 55th Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey under President George W. Bush. Christie gained national prominence through high-profile prosecutions, combative media appearances, and a 2016 presidential campaign that positioned him as a centrist conservative and later an influential critic and supporter within Donald Trump's orbit.

Early life and education

Christopher James Christie was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, the son of Sondra Perkowski and Wilbur James Christie. He graduated from Delbarton School before attending the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then received a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law–Newark. During his formative years he lived near and was influenced by communities across Essex County, New Jersey and Morris County, New Jersey, and he has cited family ties to Belmar, New Jersey among formative experiences.

Legal and early political career

Christie's legal career began in private practice at the law firm Wright, Patterson & Jones and later at Gibbons P.C. before his appointment as United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey in 2002 by President George W. Bush. As U.S. Attorney he led investigations and prosecutions involving public corruption, securities fraud, and organized crime, securing convictions against figures tied to Newark and Jersey City. He resigned in 2008 and subsequently joined the private sector, including a partnership at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter and media commentary on outlets such as Fox News Channel and CNBC.

Governorship (2010–2018)

Christie won the 2009 gubernatorial election defeating Jon Corzine and was inaugurated as Governor of New Jersey in January 2010. His tenure included high-profile responses to crises such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, where he coordinated state disaster relief with federal officials including Barack Obama and FEMA leadership, and contentious budget battles with the New Jersey Legislature. Christie won re-election in 2013 against Democrat Barbara Buono, and his administration pursued tax and pension initiatives, infrastructure projects, and emergency management reforms during his two terms.

Policy and administration

Christie's administration advocated policies on taxation, public employee pension reform, and transportation infrastructure. He negotiated with the New Jersey Legislature over state budgets and signed measures affecting New Jersey Transit and port operations linked to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. His administration promoted economic development initiatives involving the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, engaged with corporate leaders from Deloitte and Goldman Sachs on job programs, and supported regulatory changes impacting sectors including health care and gaming tied to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Controversies and legal issues

Christie's tenure was marked by numerous controversies including the lane-closing scandal at the George Washington Bridge—commonly called "Bridgegate"—which involved aides and resulted in federal investigations and convictions of staffers. His administration faced scrutiny over appointment decisions involving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and allegations related to the distribution of federal disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy. Legal actions and investigations implicated aides such as Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, and prompted federal and state inquiries involving the United States Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General.

2016 presidential campaign and national politics

Christie ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, campaigning in early contests including the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary before suspending his campaign and endorsing Donald Trump. Following the endorsement he joined Trump's transition efforts and later served as a national surrogate and informal advisor during the 2016 United States presidential election. His relationship with Trump and subsequent roles drew attention from media outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Post-gubernatorial career and legacy

After leaving office in 2018 Christie returned to private life with roles in media commentary, legal practice, and public speaking, appearing on networks such as CNN and MSNBC while joining firms and boards in New York and New Jersey. He continued to influence Republican politics through endorsements and analysis, and his legacy is debated in contexts including crisis management during Hurricane Sandy, fiscal policy in New Jersey, and the political fallout from the George Washington Bridge controversy. Observers and scholars compare his gubernatorial record to other 21st-century governors such as Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, and Andrew Cuomo.

Category:Governors of New Jersey Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians Category:1962 births Category:Living people