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{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Chris Christie
| image = Chris Christie April 2015 (cropped).jpg
| order1 = 55th [[Governor of New Jersey]]
| lieutenant1 = [[Kim Guadagno]]
| term_start1 = January 19, 2010
| term_end1 = January 16, 2018
| predecessor1 = [[Jon Corzine]]
| successor1 = [[Phil Murphy]]
| office2 = Chair of the [[Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission]]
| president2 = [[Donald Trump]]
| term_start2 = March 29, 2017
| term_end2 = November 1, 2017
| predecessor2 = ''Position established''
| successor2 = ''Position abolished''
| office3 = [[United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey]]
| president3 = [[George W. Bush]]
| term_start3 = January 17, 2002
| term_end3 = December 1, 2008
| predecessor3 = [[Robert J. Cleary]]
| successor3 = [[Ralph J. Marra Jr.|Ralph Marra]]
| office4 = Member of the [[Morris County, New Jersey|Morris County]] [[Board of chosen freeholders|Board of Chosen Freeholders]]
| term_start4 = January 1, 1995
| term_end4 = December 31, 1997
| predecessor4 = Edward Tamm
| successor4 = [[John J. Murphy]]
| birth_name = Christopher James Christie
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|9|6}}
| birth_place = [[Newark, New Jersey]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Mary Pat Christie|Mary Pat Foster]]|1986}}
| children = 4
| education = [[University of Delaware]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Seton Hall University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| signature = Chris Christie Signature.svg
}}
'''Christopher James Christie''' (born September 6, 1962) is an American politician, former federal prosecutor, and political commentator who served as the 55th [[Governor of New Jersey]] from 2010 to 2018. During his governorship, he chaired the [[Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission]] in 2017. Christie became an [[ABC News]] contributor in 2018 after leaving office.
Christie was born in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] and raised in [[Livingston, New Jersey|Livingston]]. He volunteered for [[Thomas Kean]]'s gubernatorial campaign at age 15. After graduating in 1984 from the [[University of Delaware]], he earned a [[juris doctor|J.D.]] at [[Seton Hall University School of Law|Seton Hall]]. He practiced law from 1987 to 2002. He was elected [[Board of chosen freeholders|county freeholder]] (legislator) for [[Morris County, New Jersey|Morris County]], serving from 1995 to 1998. By 2002, he had campaigned for [[President of the United States|Presidents]] [[George H. W. Bush]] and [[George W. Bush]]; the latter appointed him [[United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey|U.S. Attorney for New Jersey]], a position he held from 2002 to 2008.
Christie won the 2009 Republican primary for [[Governor of New Jersey]], defeating the incumbent [[Jon Corzine]] in the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009|general election]]. During his first term, he was credited with cutting spending, capping property tax growth, and was praised for his response to and recovery efforts after [[Hurricane Sandy]], and was [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2013|re-elected]] by a wide margin in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mindock|first1=Clark|title=Chris Christie Sandy Recovery: As Presidential Campaign Falters, New Jersey Governor Slammed For Hurricane Response|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/chris-christie-sandy-recovery-presidential-campaign-falters-new-jersey-governor-2037230|accessdate=January 26, 2017|work=International Business Times|date=August 8, 2015}}</ref> Christie is a [[Rockefeller Republican|moderate Republican]] relative to the national GOP.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/christie-least-conservative-republican-president/|title=Chris Christie least conservative among Republican presidential hopefuls|work=PhillyVoice|access-date=2018-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/christie_in_new_hampshire_2.html|title=The moderate Christie remerges in N.H. on the presidential trail|work=NJ.com|access-date=2018-07-16|language=en-US}}</ref> After the start of his second term as governor, Christie's standing was damaged by the [[Fort Lee lane closure scandal]].<ref name="Times - Christie - May 2, 2015">{{cite news|last1=Barbaro|first1=Michael|title=With Bridge Case Charges, a Cloud Descends on Christie's White House Hopes|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/02/nyregion/charges-in-bridge-scandal-pose-trouble-for-chris-christie.html|accessdate=May 2, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="McClatchy poll-2014-02-09">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jake|title=Thanks to scandal, Clinton would crush Christie in 2016, poll says|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thanks-to-scandal-clinton-would-crush-christie-in-2016-poll-says|publisher=CBS News|date=February 12, 2014|accessdate=February 17, 2014}} (poll conducted February 4–9, 2014)</ref><ref name="CNN poll-2014-02-02">{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Brent|title=Chris Christie's 2016 prospects drop amid allegations, new poll shows|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/02/chris_christies_2016_prospects_drop_in_new_poll.html|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|date=February 5, 2014|accessdate=February 17, 2014}} (poll conducted January 31 to February 2, 2014)</ref><ref name="Political fallout">{{cite news|last=Evans|first=Dave|title=Gov. Christie faces political fallout from BridgeGate scandal|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/politics&id=9387729|publisher=ABC|accessdate=April 10, 2014|date=January 9, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227153458/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Fpolitics&id=9387729|archivedate=February 27, 2014|deadurl=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Christie image">{{cite news|last=Errol|first=Louis|title=Bridge scandal tarnishes Chris Christie's image|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/17/opinion/louis-chris-christie-bridge-scandal|publisher=CNN|accessdate=February 19, 2014|date=December 17, 2013}}</ref> Since then, he has ranked among the least popular governors in the United States; for example, a September 2016 poll found that he was the third least popular governor in the country, with an approval rating of 29%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/09/christie-is-the-third-most-unpopular-governor-in-the-country-poll-finds-105623 |title=Christie among the most unpopular governors in the country, poll finds |last=Friedman |first=Matt |website=Politico |publication-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> By June 2017, he was found to have an approval rating of 15%, the lowest recorded for any New Jersey governor.<ref name="politico1">{{cite web|last1=Friedman|first1=att|title=Christie kicks sand in N.J. Republicans' faces, once again|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/07/07/christie-kicks-sand-in-nj-republicans-faces-once-again-113246|website=politico|publisher=Politico LLC|accessdate=July 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="nj.com1">{{cite web|last1=Brodesser-Akner|first1=Claude|title=Is Christie the least popular N.J. governor ever?|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/is_christie_the_least_popular_nj_gov_of_modern_era.html|website=NJ.com|publisher=New Jersey On-Line LLC|accessdate=July 7, 2017}}</ref> {{as of|2017|July}}, his disapproval rating of 69% was the highest of all governors in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://morningconsult.com/governor-approval-ratings-july-2017/|title=America's Most And Least Popular Governors –– July 2017|publisher=|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
Christie chaired the [[Republican Governors Association]] for the 2014 election cycle.<ref>{{cite press release | title = GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE ELECTED RGA CHAIRMAN Gov. Chris Christie Elected RGA Chairman | publisher = Republican Governor's Association | date = November 21, 2013 | url = https://www.rga.org/gov-chris-christie-elected-rga-chairman/ | accessdate = November 8, 2016}}</ref> On June 30, 2015, he announced [[Chris Christie presidential campaign, 2016|his candidacy]] for the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2016|Republican nomination]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 presidential election]]. He suspended his candidacy on February 10, 2016,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35546599 | title=Republican Chris Christie ends bid for the White House | date=February 10, 2016 | agency=BBC News | accessdate=February 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Moody-Killough-2015-06-30">{{cite news|last1=Moody|first1=Chris|last2=Killough|first2=Ashley|title=Chris Christie launches 2016 presidential bid|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/30/politics/chris-christie-2016-presidential-campaign/|accessdate=February 21, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=June 30, 2015}} "Christie's stature within the party has dipped in his second term as governor, particularly since the "Bridgegate" scandal."</ref><ref name="LoBianco-Preston-2016-02-10">{{cite news|last1=LoBianco|first1=Tony|last2=Preston|first2=Mark|title=Chris Christie suspends campaign|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/10/politics/chris-christie-2016-election/|accessdate=February 21, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=February 10, 2016}} "The damage from "Bridgegate" had many wondering whether his campaign was dead from the start."</ref><ref name="Katz-2016-02-10">{{cite news|last1=Katz|first1=Matt|title=Chris Christie and New Hampshire: 10 Things That Went Wrong|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/christie-new-hampshire-10-things-what-went-wrong/|accessdate=February 21, 2016|publisher=WNYC|date=February 10, 2016}} "For a guy who rose to political prominence as a corruption-busting truth-teller, the scandal was anti-brand, damaging his image beyond repair."</ref><ref name="Barbaro-2015-04-15">{{cite news|last1=Barbaro|first1=Michael|title=Even in New Hampshire, 'Bridgegate' Dogs Christie|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/us/politics/even-in-new-hampshire-bridgegate-dogs-christie.html|accessdate=February 21, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=April 15, 2015}} "Chris Christie's name has tumbled off the list of top-tier presidential candidates ... For Mr. Christie, the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge are a weight tethering his political ambitions to the ground."</ref><ref name="Lupica-2016-02-11">{{cite news|last1=Lupica|first1=Mike|title=Lupica: Bridgegate doomed Chris Christie's White House run|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/lupica-bridgegate-doomed-chris-christie-white-house-run-article-1.2527504|accessdate=February 21, 2016|work=New York Daily News|date=February 11, 2016}} "The truth of what happened to Christie... is that he never had a chance... when people working in his administration... closed some entrance lanes to the George Washington Bridge."</ref> and soon after endorsed [[Donald Trump]], who named him head of his [[Planned presidential transition of Donald Trump|transition planning team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/26/politics/chris-christie-endorses-donald-trump/index.html|title=Chris Christie endorses Donald Trump|author=[[Jeremy Diamond (journalist)|Jeremy Diamond]], Jake Tapper, Phil Mattingly and Stephen Collinson, CNN|date=February 26, 2016|work=CNN|accessdate=February 27, 2016}}</ref> Christie was strongly considered to be Trump's [[Republican Party vice presidential candidate selection, 2016|running mate]] but was not chosen.
Soon after the election, Christie was replaced on the transition team by [[Mike Pence]], as were three of Christie's associates.<ref>{{citation|accessdate=November 15, 2016|URL=http://www.northjersey.com/news/christie-replaced-by-pence-as-head-of-trump-transition-team-1.1691304|title=Christie replaced by Pence as head of Trump transition team|work=NorthJersey.com}}</ref><ref name=mikerogersleaves>{{citation|title=Intelligence Expert Mike Rogers Leaves Trump Transition Team Amid Shake-up - Former House Intelligence Committee Chairman seen as Chris Christie ally; Ben Carson turns down cabinet post|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/intelligence-expert-mike-rogers-leaves-trump-transition-team-amid-shake-up-1479221847|accessdate=November 15, 2016|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=November 15, 2016|author1=Damian Paletta |author2=Carol E. Lee}}</ref><ref name=trumpshakeup /> He chaired the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission in 2017 after being appointed by Trump.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/christie_confirms_he_will_lead_trump_drug_commissi.html|title=Christie confirms he will lead Trump drug commission|first=NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|website=NJ.com|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/03/29/chris-christie-to-lead-trump-white-house-drug-commission/|title=Chris Christie to lead Trump White House drug commission|first=|last=https://www.facebook.com/PhilipRuckerWP|website=The Washington Post|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> He has been considered for numerous positions in [[Donald Trump]]'s cabinet. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/14/politics/chris-christie-donald-trump-chief-of-staff/index.html|title=Christie takes himself out of running for White House chief of staff|website=CNN|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
{{TOC limit|4}}
== Early life and education ==
Christie was born in [[Newark, New Jersey]], to Sondra A. (née Grasso), a telephone receptionist, and Wilbur James "Bill" Christie, a certified public accountant who graduated from [[Rutgers Business School]].<ref>[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/christopher_j_christie/index.html "Times Topics: Christopher J. Christie"], ''The New York Times'', February 12, 2008.</ref><ref name=Ledger>{{cite news|first=John P.|last=Martin|title=Christie: A need to lead, honed by family and success|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=May 23, 2009|accessdate=May 24, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/christie_a_need_to_lead_honed.html}}</ref><ref>[http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary-preview.aspx?n=sondra-a-christie&pid=2197746 "Sondra A. Christie Obituary"], ''[[The Star Ledger]]'', May 3, 2004.</ref> His mother was of Italian (Sicilian) ancestry, and father is of German, Scottish, and Irish descent.<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power|author1=Ingle, B.|author2=Symons, M.G.|date=2012|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-250-00836-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OvKrPdDzg44C|page=10|accessdate=February 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name=YTStyle>Christie, Chris (May 19, 2010), {{YouTube|ICIa-KJeUtM|"Governor Christie: Style"}}</ref><ref name=YTToday>{{YouTube|90wz8a1uKj4|"Governor Christie Today Show Profile"}}, October 20, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politicalfamilytree.com/samples%20content/members/candidates_2009-10/Christie-NJ-1.pdf|title=Partial Genealogy of the Christies|format=PDF|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/celeb/christie.htm|title=Chris Christie ancestry|publisher=Freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}</ref> Christie's family moved to [[Livingston, New Jersey]], after the [[1967 Newark riots]],<ref name=Lizza /> and Christie lived there until he graduated from [[Livingston High School (New Jersey)|Livingston High School]] in 1980.<ref>[http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2010/12/08/news/doc4cff8ff6e3563721412087.txt "Gov. Chris Christie heads home to Livingston to talk taxes"]. ''[[The Trentonian]]''. [[Associated Press]]. December 8, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2011. "Gov. Chris Christie hosts his 16th town hall in his hometown of Livingston Wednesday to talk about proposals to help New Jersey towns control property taxes".</ref> At Livingston High School, Christie served as [[class president]] and played [[catcher]] for the baseball team.<ref name=Lizza />
Christie's father and mother were Republican and Democratic, respectively. He has credited, however, his Democratic-leaning mother for indirectly making him a Republican by encouraging him in 1977 to volunteer for the gubernatorial candidate who became his role model: [[Thomas Kean|Tom Kean]].<ref name=Ledger /> Christie had become interested in Kean after the politician, then a state legislator, spoke to Christie's junior high school class.<ref name=Lizza>{{cite news|last=Lizza|first=Ryan|title=CROSSING CHRISTIE|url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2014/04/14/140414fa_fact_lizza?currentPage=all|accessdate=April 20, 2014|newspaper=The New Yorker|date=April 14, 2014}}</ref>
Christie graduated from the [[University of Delaware]] with a Bachelor of Arts in [[political science]] in 1984 and [[Seton Hall University School of Law]] with a [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] in 1987. He was admitted to the [[New Jersey State Bar Association]] and the Bar of the [[United States District Court for the District of New Jersey|United States District Court, District of New Jersey]], in December 1987. He was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by [[Rutgers University]] and [[Monmouth University]] in 2010.<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/rutgers_graduates_largest_clas.html "Rutgers University graduates largest class, gives N.J. Gov. Chris Christie traditional honorary degree"]. ''The Star-Ledger''; May 16, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/monmouth_university_seniors_pr.html "Monmouth University graduates, alumni protest Gov. Chris Christie as graduation speaker"]. ''The Star-Ledger''. Retrieved February 25, 2014.</ref>
==Personal life==
In 1986, Christie married [[Mary Pat Christie|Mary Pat Foster]], a fellow student at the [[University of Delaware]]. After marrying, they shared a studio apartment in [[Summit, New Jersey]].<ref name=ConvSpeech>{{cite news|title=Transcript: Gov. Chris Christie's Convention Speech|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/08/28/160213518/transcript-gov-chris-christies-convention-speech|publisher=NPR|accessdate=July 16, 2013}}</ref> Mary Pat Christie pursued a career in [[investment banking]] and eventually worked at the Wall Street firm [[Cantor Fitzgerald]]; she left the firm in 2001 following the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref name=Ledger /> Through April 2015 she was a managing director at the [[Wall Street]] investment firm [[Angelo, Gordon & Co.]]<ref>[http://www.nationaljournal.com/pictures-video/meet-the-spouses-of-the-2016-presidential-contenders-20150413 "Meet the Spouses of the 2016 Presidential Contenders"], by Alex Laughlin. ''[[National Journal]],'' April 13, 2015.</ref>
Christie and Mary Pat have two sons and two daughters.<ref>{{cite news|first=Josh|last=Margolin|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/mary_pat_christie_readies_for.html |title=Mary Pat Christie readies for role as state's first lady|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=January 3, 2010|accessdate=October 2, 2011}}</ref> The family resides in [[Mendham Township, New Jersey|Mendham Township]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Governor Christie|url=http://www.state.nj.us/governor/admin/about|publisher=State of New Jersey|accessdate=February 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Anybody Home? Governor's Mansions Around the U.S. Sit Empty: New Jersey|url=http://business.time.com/2012/01/23/anybody-home-governors-mansions-around-the-u-s-sit-empty|date=January 20, 2012|first=Alison|last=Rogers|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|accessdate=February 8, 2012}}</ref>
Christie's hobbies have included coaching [[Little League]], cheering for the [[New York Mets]], and attending [[Bruce Springsteen]] concerts (141 of them).<ref>"[http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/spotted_christie_at_his_141st_springsteen_concert.html Profile: Christopher J. Christie]", ''The New York Times'' (June 3, 2009).</ref><ref>Hudson, John. [http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/11/chris-christie-finally-wins-bruce-springsteens-affection/58602 "Chris Christie Finally Wins Bruce Springsteen's Affection"], The Atlantic Wire (November 1, 2012).</ref> Christie's other favorite sports teams are the [[New York Knicks]], [[New York Rangers]], and [[Dallas Cowboys]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Chris Christie: Dallas Cowboys my favorite NFL team|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000213406/article/chris-christie-dallas-cowboys-my-favorite-nfl-team|publisher=National Football League|accessdate=September 4, 2014|date=June 19, 2013}}</ref>
== Law practice and local politics ==
=== Lawyer ===
In 1987, Christie joined the law firm of Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci of [[Cranford, New Jersey]].<ref name=facts>"[http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/17/us/chris-christie-fast-facts Here's a look at the life of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie]", [[CNN]] (February 17, 2013).</ref> In 1993, he was named a partner in the firm.<ref name=facts /> Christie specialized in [[securities]] law, [[appellate]] practice, election law, and government affairs. He is a member of the [[American Bar Association]] and the New Jersey State Bar Association and was a member of the Election Law Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. From 1999 to 2001, Christie was registered statehouse [[lobbyist]] for Dughi and Hewit.<ref>{{cite news | last = Rispoli | first = Michael | title = Gov. Corzine, Chris Christie trade barbs about lobbying histories | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = August 25, 2009 | url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/gov_corzine_chris_christie_tra.html | accessdate = June 28, 2014}}</ref>
=== Morris County Freeholder ===
Christie volunteered for President [[George H. W. Bush]]'s [[United States Presidential election, 1992|1992 re-election campaign]] in New Jersey, and became close to Bush's state director, [[Bill Palatucci]]. Following the campaign, Christie decided to run for office, and moved to [[Mendham Township, New Jersey|Mendham Township]]. In 1993, Christie launched a primary challenge against the [[New Jersey Senate]] Majority Leader, [[John H. Dorsey]]. However, Christie's campaign ended after Dorsey successfully challenged the validity of Christie's [[petition#Modern use|petition]] to appear on the ballot.<ref name=Lizza />
In 1994, Christie was elected as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] to the [[Board of Chosen Freeholders]], or legislators, for [[Morris County, New Jersey]], after he and a running mate defeated incumbent freeholders in the party primary. Following the election, the defeated incumbents filed a [[defamation]] lawsuit against Christie based on statements made during the primary campaign.<ref name="nuzzi-politico">{{cite web|last=Nuzzi|first=Olivia|title=Portrait of the Governor as a Young Man|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/portrait-of-the-governor-as-a-young-man-chris-christie-103502_Page3.html|publisher=Politico|accessdate=February 19, 2014}}</ref> Christie had incorrectly stated that the incumbents were under "investigation" for violating certain local laws. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with Christie acknowledging that the prosecutor had actually convened an "inquiry" instead of an "investigation", and apologizing for the error, which he said was unintentional.<ref name="Christie's 1st political foray">Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA49 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', pp. 48–49 (Macmillan 2013).</ref><ref>Garber, Phil. "[http://www.digifind-it.com/easthanover/The%20Hanover%20Eagle/1996/1996-11-14.pdf Christie eats crow, apologizes for 1994 ads against rivals] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927024137/http://www.digifind-it.com/easthanover/The%20Hanover%20Eagle/1996/1996-11-14.pdf |date=September 27, 2013 }}", ''Hanover Eagle and Regional Weekly News'' (November 14, 1996).</ref>
As freeholder, Christie required the county government to obtain three quotes from qualified firms for all contracts. He led a successful effort to bar county officials from accepting gifts from people and firms doing business with the county. He voted to raise the county's open space tax for land preservation; however, county taxes on the whole were decreased by 6.6% during his tenure. He successfully pushed for the dismissal of an architect hired to design a new jail, saying that the architect was costing taxpayers too much money. The architect then sued Christie for defamation over remarks he made about the dismissal, eventually dropping the suit without explanation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Heininger|first=Claire|title=GOP candidate Chris Christie launched political career as Morris County freeholder|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=May 11, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html|accessdate=August 25, 2009}}</ref><ref>Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA56 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', p. 56 (Macmillan 2013)<!-- ISBN needed -->.</ref>
In 1995, Christie announced a bid for a seat in the [[New Jersey General Assembly]]; he and attorney [[Rick Merkt]] ran as a ticket against incumbent Assemblyman [[Anthony Bucco]] and attorney [[Michael Patrick Carroll]] in the Republican primary. Christie ran as a pro-choice candidate and supporter of the ban on [[assault weapons]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Nuzzi|first=Olivia|title=Portrait of the Governor as a young man|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/portrait-of-the-governor-as-a-young-man-chris-christie-103502_Page3.html|publisher=Politico}}</ref> Bucco and Carroll, the establishment candidates, defeated the up-and-comers by a wide margin. After this loss, Christie's bid for re-nomination to the freeholder board was unlikely, as unhappy Republicans recruited [[John J. Murphy]] to run against Christie in 1997. Murphy defeated Christie in the primary.<ref name="political career">{{cite news|last=Pizarrom|first=Max|title=A political career in three parts: Chris Christie, the freeholder|publisher=[[Politicker Network|PolitickerNJ.com]]|date=December 29, 2008|url=http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder|accessdate=August 25, 2009}}</ref> Murphy, who had falsely accused Christie of having the county pay his legal bills in the architect's lawsuit, was sued by Christie after the election. They settled out of court with the Freeholders admitting wrongdoing and apologizing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Freeholders admit wrongdoing, apologize over Christie suit|url=http://newjerseyhills.com/freeholders-admit-wrongdoing-apologize-over-christie-suit/article_a47e7ca7-67ce-504d-ab54-5c5764db9a78.html|publisher=New Jersey Hills|accessdate=February 22, 2014|date=January 25, 2001}}</ref> Christie's career in Morris County politics was over by 1998.<ref name="political career" />
=== Lobbyist ===
When Christie's part-time position as a Chosen Freeholder lapsed, he returned full attention to his law firm Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci. Alongside fellow partner and later, gubernatorial campaign fundraiser Bill Palatucci, Christie's firm opened an office in the state capital, [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], devoted mainly to lobbying.<ref>Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA49 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', p. 61 (Macmillan 2013).</ref><ref name="njlobbying">{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/gov_corzine_chris_christie_tra.html|title=Gov. Corzine, Chris Christie trade barbs about lobbying histories|author=Michael Rispoli|work=The Star-Ledger|date=August 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/07/in-new-jersey-and-across-america-chris-christie-casts-a-big-shadow.html|title=In New Jersey and Across America, Chris Christie Casts a Big Shadow|author=Lloyd Grove|work=The Daily Beast|date=January 7, 2013}}</ref> Between 1999 and 2001, Christie and Palatucci lobbied on behalf of, among others, [[FirstEnergy#GPU|GPU Energy]] for [[deregulation]] of New Jersey's electric and gas industry;<ref name="njlobbying" /> the [[Securities Industry Association]] to block the inclusion of securities fraud under the state's Consumer Fraud Act; [[Hackensack University Medical Center]] for state grants; and the [[University of Phoenix]] for a New Jersey higher education license.<ref name=lobbying>{{cite news|first=Josh|last=Margolin|title=Christie, Corzine duel over outsider label|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=August 26, 2009|accessdate=August 29, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1251251115315720.xml&coll=1}}</ref> During the [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000 presidential election]], Christie was [[George W. Bush]]'s campaign lawyer for the state of New Jersey.<ref name=Lizza />
== United States Attorney ==
=== Appointment ===
On December 7, 2001, President [[George W. Bush]] appointed Christie the [[U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011207-9.html|title=Nominations|date=December 7, 2001|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref> Some members of the New Jersey Bar professed disappointment at Christie's lack of experience. At the time, he had never practiced in a federal courtroom before, and had little experience in criminal law. Christie received the overwhelming support of the Republican Party in New Jersey. A spokesperson for Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, who selected nominees for the position, said that he received hundreds of letters of support for Christie "from everyone from the Assembly speaker down to the county level, close to every member of the Legislature and every county chairman." Christie was also a top fundraiser for Bush's [[George W. Bush presidential campaign, 2000|2000 presidential campaign]]. He helped raise $350,000 for Bush, qualifying him as a "Pioneer", and also donated to DiFrancesco.<ref>{{Citation|last=Mansnerus|first=Laura|title=New Jersey G.O.P. and Legal Elite Differ on U.S. Attorney|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=August 26, 2001|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/nyregion/new-jersey-gop-and-legal-elite-differ-on-us-attorney.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref><ref name=NewRepublic>{{cite news|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/116601/chris-christies-rise-and-fall|title=Chris Christie's Rise and Fall|last=MacGillis|first=Alec|work=[[The New Republic]]|date=February 12, 2014}}</ref> Democrats seized upon the role played by Bush's political adviser, [[Karl Rove]], after Christie's law partner, William Palatucci, a Republican political consultant and Bush supporter, boasted that he had selected a United States attorney by forwarding Christie's résumé to Rove.<ref>{{Citation|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|last2=Rutenberg|first2=Jim|title=E-Mail Shows Rove's Role in Fate of Prosecutors|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 29, 2007|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/29/washington/29rove.html|accessdate=August 26, 2009}}</ref> According to New Jersey's senior Senator, [[Bob Torricelli]], Christie promised to appoint a "professional" with federal courtroom experience as deputy if confirmed. By Senate tradition, if a state's senior Senator opposes the nomination of a U.S. Attorney, the nomination is effectively dead, but Christie's promise was enough for Torricelli to give the nomination his blessing.<ref name=NewRepublic /> He was unanimously confirmed by the [[United States Senate]] on December 20, 2001, and sworn into office on January 17, 2002.
The brother of Christie's uncle (his aunt's second husband), [[Tino Fiumara]], was an [[organized crime]] figure; according to Christie, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] presumably knew that when they conducted his background check.<ref name=fiumaralink>{{cite news|first1=David M.|last1=Halbfinger|first2=David|last2=Kocieniewski|title=For Christie, Family Tie No Candidate Can Relish|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 23, 2009|accessdate=October 17, 2009|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/nyregion/24christie.html}}</ref> Later, Christie recused himself from the case and commented about what he had learned growing up with such a relative: "It just told me that you make bad decisions in life and you wind up paying a price."<ref name=fiumaralink />
=== Enforcement record ===
[[File:US Attorney Chris Christie.jpg|thumb|Christie, {{circa|June 2004}}, served as the United States Attorney for New Jersey from 2002 to 2008]]
Christie served as U.S. Attorney from January 17, 2002, to December 1, 2008. His office included 137 attorneys, with offices in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], and [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]]. Christie also served on the 17-member [[Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys]] for Attorneys General [[John Ashcroft]] and [[Alberto Gonzales]].
Soon after taking office, Christie let it be known that his office would make public corruption a high priority, second only to terrorism.<ref name=NewRepublic /> During his six-year tenure, he received praise for his record of convictions in public corruption cases. His office convicted or won guilty pleas from 130 public officials, both Republican and [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]], at the state, county and local levels.<ref>{{Citation| last=Editorial| title=An impressive resume|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=November 17, 2008|url=http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2008/11/an_impressive_resume.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> The most notable of these convictions included those of Democratic [[Hudson County, New Jersey|Hudson County]] Executive [[Robert C. Janiszewski]] in 2002 on bribery charges,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/04/nyregion/former-new-jersey-official-admits-extorting-bribes.html|title=Former New Jersey Official Admits Extorting Bribes|work=The New York Times|date=October 4, 2002|first=Ronald|last=Smothers|accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> Republican [[Essex County, New Jersey|Essex County]] Executive [[James W. Treffinger]] in 2003 on corruption charges,<ref>{{Citation|last=Smothers|first=Ronald|title=Treffinger Pleads Guilty To Corruption|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 31, 2003|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/31/nyregion/treffinger-pleads-guilty-to-corruption.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> former Democratic [[New Jersey Senate]] President [[John A. Lynch Jr.]], in 2006 on charges of mail fraud and [[Tax evasion in the United States|tax evasion]],<ref>{{Citation|last=Kocieniewski|first=David|title=Guilty Plea Expected From Former Senate Leader in Trenton|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 15, 2006|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/09/15/nyregion/15lynch.html|accessdate=July 20, 2009}}</ref> State Senator and former Newark Democratic mayor [[Sharpe James]] in 2008 on fraud charges,<ref>{{Citation|last=Jeff Whelan|first=and John P. Martin| title= Newark ex-mayor Sharpe James is convicted of fraud| newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=April 16, 2008|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> and Democratic State Senator [[Wayne R. Bryant]] in 2008 on charges of bribery, mail fraud, and wire fraud.<ref>{{Citation|last=Livio|first=Susan K.|title=Ex-lawmaker Wayne Bryant is found guilty of bribery|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=November 19, 2008|url=http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html|accessdate=July 20, 2009}}</ref>
Christie negotiated seven deal [[deferred prosecution]] agreements (DPAs) during his tenure, some of which were controversial.<ref name=Barkow>Barkow, Anthony and [[Rachel Barkow]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=BMUt-ZENDYcC&pg=PA4 ''Prosecutors in the Boardroom: Using Criminal Law to Regulate Corporate Conduct''], pp. 3–4 (NYU Press, 2011).</ref> Under agreements like these, corporations avoid prosecution if they promise not just to obey the law or pay for bad acts, but also promise to change personnel, or revamp business practices, or adopt new types of corporate governance. They are typically used in lieu of prosecution when there is evidence of particularly egregious corporate misconduct. Since 2002, these types of agreements have been sharply on the rise among federal prosecutors, with 23 between 2002 and 2005, and 66 between 2006 and 2008.<ref name=Barkow /> Outside monitors are appointed in about half of all DPAs, to make sure that the corporations comply.<ref name=Barkow /> In one case, Christie recommended appointment of [[The Ashcroft Group, LLC|The Ashcroft Group]], a consulting firm owned by his former boss [[John Ashcroft]], as an outside monitor of [[Zimmer Holdings]]—a contract worth as much as $52 million from Zimmer, which was an amount in line with fee structures at that time.<ref name=Shenon /><ref>{{Citation|last=Whelan|first=Jeff|title=Ashcroft's firm to collect $52M to monitor implant case|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=November 19, 2007|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/11/when_us_attorney_christopher_c.html|accessdate= August 2, 2009}}</ref> In another instance, Christie's office deferred criminal prosecution of pharmaceutical company [[Bristol Myers]] in a deal that required the company to dedicate $5 million for a business ethics chair at [[Seton Hall University School of Law]], Christie's alma mater.<ref>{{Citation|last=Reisinger|first=Sue|title=New DOJ Policy: Just Call it the Christopher Christie Amendment|publisher=Law.com|date=May 21, 2008|url=http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202421573691|accessdate=June 2, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Christie Quits">{{Citation|last=Martin|first=John P.|last2=Margolin|first2=Josh|title=Christie quits, setting GOP wheels in motion|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|date=November 18, 2008|url=http://blog.nj.com/ledgerarchives/2008/11/christie_quits_setting_gop_whe_1.html|accessdate=July 20, 2009}}</ref>
Christie defended the appointment of Ashcroft, citing his prominence and legal acumen.<ref>{{Citation|last=Kocieniewski|first=David|title=In Testy Exchange in Congress, Christie Defends His Record as a Prosecutor|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 26, 2009|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/nyregion/26christie.html|accessdate=July 25, 2009}}. Ashcroft defended the practice. ''See'' Ashcroft, John. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/opinion/05ashcroft.html "Bailout Justice"], ''The New York Times'' (May 4, 2009).</ref> and he defended the Seton Hall donation as happenstance given that there was already a business ethics endowed chair at the only other law school in the state.<ref>Lattman, Peter. [https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/04/27/seton-hall-announces-new-drug-company-funded-health-law-center/ Seton Hall Announces Drugmaker-Funded Health Law Center], ''The Wall Street Journal'' (April 27, 2007). Christie also said that "It was not my idea. It was not my initiative. It was something they asked for..." ''See'' Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA113 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', p. 113 (Macmillan 2013).</ref>
Still, cases like these led to new rules within the Justice Department,<ref name=Shenon>{{Citation|last=Shenon|first=Philip|title=New Guidelines Ahead of Ashcroft Testimony| newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 11, 2008|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/washington/11ashcroft.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009|quote=The new monitoring guidelines offer no rules to help prosecutors determine how much a monitor should be paid. In Mr. Ashcroft's case, the fees were determined in negotiations between Zimmer and his firm, the Ashcroft Group. Outside lawyers who have reviewed Mr. Ashcroft's fee structure said it was not out of line. But Professor Henning said he believed that many companies were willing to pay exorbitant fees to a monitor in hopes of leniency.}}</ref><ref name="Christie's deferred prosecution agreements">{{Citation|author=Paul Cox|title=N.J. GOP gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie's deferred prosecution agreements|work=The Star-Ledger|date=March 25, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/06/nj_gop_gubernatorial_candidate.html|accessdate=July 23, 2009}}</ref> and sparked a congressional hearing on the subject.<ref name=Barkow /><ref>{{Citation|last=Kocieniewski|first=David|title=In Testy Exchange in Congress, Christie Defends His Record as a Prosecutor|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 26, 2009|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/nyregion/26christie.html|accessdate=July 25, 2009}}. GOP Representative [[Trent Franks]] called the hearing a "witch hunt" whereas Democratic Representative [[Bill Pascrell]] called the payment to Ashcroft "ransom". ''See'' Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA115 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', p. 115 (Macmillan 2013).</ref><ref name="Christie agrees to testify">{{Citation|last=Heininger|first=Claire|title=GOP candidate Chris Christie agrees to testify before Congress on federal monitoring contracts|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=June 19, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/gop_candidate_chris_christie_a_2.html|accessdate=August 2, 2009}}</ref>
Besides doubling the size of the anticorruption unit for New Jersey,<ref>Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sr1I6UMvrikC&pg=PA75 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', p. 75 (Macmillan 2013).</ref> Christie also prosecuted other federal crimes. For example, he obtained convictions of brothel owners who kept Mexican teenagers in [[slavery]] as prostitutes, convicted 42 gang members of the [[Double II Set]] of various crimes including more than 25 murders, and convicted British trader [[Hemant Lakhani]] of trying to sell missiles.<ref>Ryan, Joe. "[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/christie_proved_himself_a_man.html Christie proved himself a man of convictions]", ''[[The Star Ledger]]'' (November 23, 2008).</ref> Despite claims of [[entrapment]],<ref name=tal2009>{{cite episode|title=Arms Trader 2009|series=[[This American Life]]|airdate=August 7, 2009|season=15|number=387|minutes=50:45|network=[[Chicago Public Radio]]|url=http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/387/arms-trader-2009| accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref> Lakhani was convicted by jury in April 2005 of attempting to provide material support to terrorists, unlawful brokering of foreign defense articles, and attempting to import merchandise into the U.S. by means of false statements, plus two counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to 47 years in prison.<ref>"[http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2005/December/05_opa_641.html Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Highlights Success in the War on Terror at the Council on Foreign Relations]", Department of Justice (December 1, 2005).</ref>
In 2007, Christie prosecuted the planners of the averted [[2007 Fort Dix attack plot]], which he has frequently mentioned as a career highlight.<ref name=intercept>{{cite news|last1=Hussain|first1=Murtaza|last2=Ghalayini|first2=Razan| newspaper=[[The Intercept]] |publisher=[[First Look Media]] |title=Christie's Conspiracy|url=https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/25/fort-dix-five-terror-plot-the-real-story/|accessdate=June 28, 2015|date=June 25, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:2.9.11ChrisChristieTownHallByLuigiNovi3.jpg|thumb|left|Christie at a town hall meeting in [[Union City, New Jersey]], on February 9, 2011]]
During the second term of George W. Bush, a controversy arose about [[Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy|the administration's dismissal of several U.S. attorneys]], allegedly for political reasons. When it was revealed that Christie had been on a preliminary version of the hit list, New York Senator [[Charles Schumer]] said: "I was shocked when I saw Chris Christie's name on the list last night. It just shows a [Justice] department that has run amok."<ref name=Schumer>Symons, Michael and Ingle, Bob. ''[https://www.scribd.com/doc/129029457/%E2%80%9CChris-Christie-The-Inside-Story-of-His-Rise-to-Power%E2%80%9D-Pp-99-106 Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]'', pp. 99–106 (Macmillan 2013).</ref> [[Pat Meehan]], the U.S. attorney in Philadelphia, said: "Among his peers, Chris stands out as one of the most admired. If you were to create a list of the U.S. attorneys who have had the greatest impact, Chris would be one of the top two or three names I'd put on it. This defies explanation."<ref name=Schumer />
Christie's opponents claimed that he had gotten off the Bush administration's hit list by going after Congressman [[Robert Menendez]]; for example, ''New York Times'' columnist [[Paul Krugman]] wrote, "Menendez's claims of persecution now seem quite plausible."<ref name=Schumer /> Christie had issued a subpoena regarding Menendez 65 days before the [[United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2006|2006 Senate election]], in which Menendez defeated Republican [[Thomas Kean Jr.]] to become New Jersey's junior [[United States Senator|Senator]].<ref name=Lizza /><ref name="Prosecutor Makes Meal">{{ Citation|last=Harowitz|first=Jason|title=Prosecutor Makes a Meal of N.J. Senate Race|newspaper=[[New York Observer]]|date=October 15, 2006|url=http://observer.com/2006/10/prosecutor-makes-a-meal-of-nj-senate-race|accessdate=November 5, 2009}}</ref> Christie's biographers (journalists Michael Symons and Bob Ingle) concluded that, "The timing of the Menendez-related subpoena doesn't line up right to support the critics' theory."<ref name=Schumer /> Christie's aides have said that the subpoena was prompted by a newspaper report about Menendez,<ref name="Usually on attack">{{Cite news|last=Kocienniewski|first=David|title=Usually on Attack, U.S. Attorney in Newark Finds Himself on the Defensive|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 13, 2008|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/nyregion/13christie.html|accessdate=May 28, 2009}}</ref> which prosecutors feared might imminently lead to destruction of documents and other evidence. The investigation of Menendez continued for years after Christie left office as U.S. Attorney, until Menendez was finally cleared on October 5, 2011.<ref name=Schumer />
== Governor of New Jersey (2010–2018) ==
{{Main|Governorship of Chris Christie}}
=== Campaign for office ===
{{See also|2009 New Jersey gubernatorial election|2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Chris Christie 2013 campaign bus.JPG|thumb|Christie's campaign bus pulls out front of Stainton Square in Ocean City, New Jersey]]
Christie filed as a candidate for the office of governor on January 8, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Margolin|first=Josh|first2=Kristen|last2=Alloway|title=Christopher Christie files to run for New Jersey governor|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=January 8, 2009|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/christopher_christie_files_to.html|accessdate=March 25, 2009}}</ref> Former [[Governor of New Jersey|Governor]] [[Thomas Kean]] helped Christie campaign and raise money.<ref name="Lizza" /> In the primary on June 2, Christie won the Republican nomination with 55% of the vote, defeating opponents [[Steve Lonegan]] and [[Rick Merkt]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/nyregion/03elect.html|title=Ex-Prosecutor Wins G.O.P. Primary in New Jersey |last=Halbfinger|first=David M.|date=June 2, 2009|work=The New York Times|accessdate=June 3, 2009}}</ref> He then chose [[Kim Guadagno|Kimberly Guadagno]], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]] [[Sheriffs in the United States|sheriff]], to complete his campaign ticket as a candidate for [[Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey|lieutenant governor]]. On November 3, Christie defeated [[Jon Corzine]] by a margin of 49% to 45%, with 6% of the vote going to independent candidate [[Chris Daggett]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Official General Election Results|publisher=New Jersey Division of Elections|url=http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-official-general-election-gov-lt-gov-tallies-120109.pdf|accessdate=November 1, 2012}}</ref>
Christie took office as [[Governor of New Jersey]] on January 19, 2010.<ref>Fleisher, Lisa (January 19, 2010). [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/governor_chris_christie_says_c.html "N.J. governor Chris Christie says 'change has arrived' during inauguration speech"]. ''The Star-Ledger''.</ref> He chose not to move his family into [[Drumthwacket]], the governor's official mansion, and instead resides in a private [[Mendham Township, New Jersey]], residence.<ref>[http://www.trentonian.com/article/20091107/NEWS/311079983/christie-i-won-t-live-at-drumthwacket?mobredirect=true "Christie: I won't live at Drumthwacket"]. ''[[The Trentonian]]''. November 7, 2009.</ref>
=== Positions on issues and actions as governor ===
==== Fiscal ====
Christie has promised not to raise taxes. He has also vowed to lower the state income and business taxes, with the qualification that this might not occur immediately: "I'm not saying I'm cutting taxes in the first year. The first thing we have to do is get our fiscal house in order, and that's going to be tough."<ref name="Christie Promises Change" />
During his term as governor, Christie delivered balanced budgets annually for the state as required by the [[Constitution of New Jersey|New Jersey Constitution]]. He claims to have done so without increasing taxes, though this has been debated as he has made reductions to [[tax credit]]s such as the [[earned income tax credit]] and property tax relief programs.<ref>[http://www.factcheck.org/2012/08/christies-fact-free-keynote/ "Christie's Fact-Free Keynote"], [[FactCheck.org]], [[Annenberg Public Policy Center]] (August 29, 2012).</ref><ref name=Erin>O'Neill, Erin. [http://www.politifact.com/new-jersey/statements/2012/aug/23/chris-christie/chris-christie-says-he-hasnt-raised-taxes-new-jers/ "Chris Christie says he hasn't raised taxes in New Jersey"], [[PolitiFact.com]] and ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'' (August 23, 2012).</ref> Under Christie, there have so far been no rate increases in the state's top three revenue generators: income tax, sales tax, and corporate business tax.<ref name=Erin />
Christie originally proposed a 10 percent income tax cut for all residents of the State, but he later targeted his proposal for people earning less than $400,000 per year, and it would be in the form of an income tax credit equal to 10 percent of their property taxes, capped at $10,000 (phased in over four years).<ref name=Levinsky>Levinsky, David. [http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/can-new-jersey-afford-a-tax-cut-latest-revenue-numbers/article_c11287fd-d3c1-52e0-86cc-4697cd6c4afe.html "Can New Jersey afford a tax cut? Latest revenue numbers help and hurt Christie's arguments"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20130909185436/http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/can-new-jersey-afford-a-tax-cut-latest-revenue-numbers/article_c11287fd-d3c1-52e0-86cc-4697cd6c4afe.html |date=September 9, 2013 }}, ''[[Burlington County Times]]'' (July 5, 2013).</ref> The Democratic-controlled state legislature has refused to implement it to date, taking the view that there would never be enough money to fund a tax cut.<ref name=Levinsky />
[[File:Chris Christie at townhall.jpg|thumb|left|Christie at a town hall in March 2011]]
On February 11, 2010, Christie signed Executive Order No. 14, which declared that a "state of fiscal emergency exists in the State of New Jersey" due to the projected $2.2 billion budget deficit for the current fiscal year (FY 2010).<ref name="Christie EO 14">{{cite web|title=Governor Christie Executive Order No. 14|date=February 11, 2010|url=http://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eocc14.pdf|accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> In a speech before a special joint session of the [[New Jersey Legislature]] on the same day, Christie addressed the budget deficit and proposed various fiscal measures to close the gap. Christie also suspended funding for the [[New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate|Department of the Public Advocate]] and called for its elimination.<ref name="FY2010 Budget Solutions Press Release">{{cite web|title=FY 2010 Budget Solutions Press Release|date=February 11, 2010|url=http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/552010/pdf/FY2010BudgetSolutions0219.pdf|accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> Some Democrats criticized Christie for not first consulting them on his budget cuts and for circumventing the Legislature's role in the budget process.<ref name="NJ Democrats Blast Christie">{{cite web|authorlink=Statehouse Bureau Staff|title=N.J. Democrats blast Gov. Chris Christie for circumventing Legislature|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=February 11, 2010|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/nj_democrats_slam_christie_for.html|accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> In late June 2011, Christie utilized New Jersey's [[line item veto]] to eliminate nearly $1 billion from the proposed budget, signing it into law just hours prior to the July 1, 2011, beginning of the state's fiscal year.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Jarrett|last=Renshaw|title=Outrage boils over Christie's line-item veto cuts|date=July 2, 2011|newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]]|location=Newark, New Jersey|url=http://www.nj.com/sunbeam-news/index.ssf/2011/07/outrage_boils_over_christies_l.html|accessdate=July 3, 2011}}</ref>
In 2010, Christie signed legislation to limit annual property tax growth to 2 percent.<ref>{{cite news|title=NJ Gov Chris Christie plans to sign 2 percent tax cap into law |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/gov_chris_christie_plans_to_si.html |work=The Star-Ledger|date=July 13, 2010}}</ref>
During his second year in office, Christie signed into law a payroll tax cut reducing funding of the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) fund by $190 million per year. Effective calendar year 2012, the tax cut authorizes the [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]] to reduce payroll deduction for most employees from $148 to $61 per year. According to Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths, New Jersey workers had been paying much more into the disability fund than what is needed to keep it solvent. The changes took effect on January 1, 2012.<ref>Hester, Sr., Tom (October 17, 2011). [http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/economy/change-in-nj-payroll-tax-deduction-rate-to-save-workers-an-average-of-87-in-2012 "Change in N.J. payroll tax deduction rate to save workers an average of $87 in 2012 "] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320174648/http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/economy/change-in-nj-payroll-tax-deduction-rate-to-save-workers-an-average-of-87-in-2012 |date=March 20, 2012 }}, ''New Jersey Newsroom''. Retrieved February 20, 2014.</ref>
On five separate occasions, Chris Christie vetoed legislation pushed by Democrats to raise taxes on millionaires.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/nj-democrats-loved-the-idea-of-taxing-the-rich---until-they-actually-could-do-it/2018/05/23/259e55c8-5d4f-11e8-a4a4-c070ef53f315_story.html|title=N.J. Democrats loved the idea of taxing the rich — until they actually could do it|last=Stein|first=Jeff|date=2018-05-23|work=Washington Post|access-date=2018-05-24|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> After Democrat Phil Murphy became Governor, Democrats backed off the legislation, with the lead advocate behind the legislation saying, "This state is taxed out. If you know anything about New Jersey, they're just weary of the taxes."<ref name=":0" />
Under Christie's governorship, New Jersey's credit rating has been downgraded nine times (across [[Standard & Poor]], [[Fitch Ratings]], and [[Moody's Investors Service]]), leaving only Illinois with a lower rating among US states.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-10/new-jersey-has-credit-rating-lowered-by-one-step-to-a-by-s-p.html |title= N.J. Rating Cut by S&P as Christie Gets Record Downgrade |last1=Kaske |first1=Michelle |last2=Young |first2=Elise |date=September 10, 2014 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |accessdate=September 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-04-17/new-jersey-cut-by-moody-s-as-christie-gets-ninth-debt-downgrade |title=New Jersey Cut by Moody's as Christie Gets Ninth Debt Downgrade |last1=Dopp |first1=Terrence |date=April 16, 2015 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |accessdate=April 17, 2015}}</ref>
As Governor of New Jersey, Christie has received grades of B in 2012<ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Chris|publisher=[[Cato Institute]]|url=http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/GRC2012.pdf|title=Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors 2012|date=October 9, 2012|accessdate=September 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Chris|publisher=[[Cato Institute]]|url=http://www.cato.org/publications/white-paper/fiscal-policy-report-card-americas-governors-2012|title=Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors: 2012|date=October 9, 2012|accessdate=September 3, 2015}}</ref> and B in 2014<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kaeding|first1=Nicole|last2=Edwards|first2=Chris|publisher=[[Cato Institute]]|url=http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/fprc-on-americas-governors_1.pdf|title=Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors 2014|date=October 2, 2014|accessdate=September 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kaeding|first1=Nicole|last2=Edwards|first2=Chris|publisher=[[Cato Institute]]|url=http://www.cato.org/publications/white-paper/fiscal-policy-report-card-americas-governors-2014|title=Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors 2014|date=October 2, 2014|accessdate=September 3, 2015}}</ref> from the [[Cato Institute]], a [[Libertarianism in the United States|libertarian]] think tank, in their biennial Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's governors.
===== Tax credits and incentives =====
On September 18, 2013, Christie signed legislation to overhaul the state's business tax incentive programs. The legislation reduces the number of tax incentive programs from five to two, raises the caps on tax credits, and allows smaller companies to qualify. It increases the credits available for businesses in South Jersey.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Christie Signs New Jersey Tax Incentives Bill|author=Heather Haddon|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2013/09/18/chris-christie-signs-new-jersey-tax-incentives-bill|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 18, 2013|accessdate=September 23, 2013}}</ref>
===== Public employee pensions =====
In March 2010, Christie signed into law three state pension reform bills, which had passed with bipartisan support. The laws decreased pension benefits for future hires and required public employees to contribute 1.5 percent of their salaries toward their health care. The laws prompted a lawsuit by the police and firefighters' unions.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Megerian| first = Chris | title = N.J. police, firefighter unions sue to stop pension reform laws| newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]] | date = April 23, 2010| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/04/nj_police_firefighter_unions_s.html| accessdate = March 5, 2011}}</ref> In his campaign for governor, Christie opposed any change in pension benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers, including "current officers, future officers or retirees". He described the pension agreement as "a sacred trust".<ref>{{cite web|last=Garber|first=Phil|title=Mount Olive Township Sergeant chides Christie: Officer says governor violated promise to keep 'sacred trust'|url=http://newjerseyhills.com/mt_olive_chronicle/news/mount-olive-township-sergeant-chides-christie/article_ffb99aba-4a88-11e0-930a-001cc4c03286.html|accessdate=May 24, 2014|date=March 11, 2011}}</ref>
Later that year, he called for further cuts, including the elimination of cost-of-living adjustments for all current and future retirees.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Fleisher| first = Lisa | title = Gov. Christie proposes pension, benefits changes for public workers| newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]]| date = September 14, 2010| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/gov_christie_to_propose_pensio.html| accessdate =March 5, 2011 }}</ref> In June 2011, Christie announced a deal with the Democratic leadership of the legislature on a reform of public employee pensions and benefits. The deal raised public employees' pension contributions, mandated the state to make annual payments into the system, increased public employee contributions toward health insurance premiums, and ended collective bargaining for health benefits. The reform is projected to save the state $120 billion over 30 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie wins on pension, health benefits reform|author=Mark Impomeni|url=http://www.humanevents.com/2011/06/22/christie-wins-on-pension-health-benefits-reform|work=Human Events|date=June 22, 2011|accessdate=August 4, 2013}}</ref>
In June 2013, Christie signed a $33 billion state budget that makes a record $1.7 billion payment to the state's pension fund and also increases school funding by almost $100 million. The budget resulted from negotiations between Christie and Democratic leaders in the state legislature and was the first that Christie has signed as passed, without vetoing any of its provisions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie signs bipartisan budget, but vetoes 8 Democratic bills|author=Salvador Rizzo|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/gov_christie_signs_2013_nj_budget.html|work=The Star-Ledger|date=June 28, 2013}}</ref>
In May 2014, Christie cut the contributions to New Jersey public workers' pension funds for a 14-month period by nearly $2.5 billion to deal with a revenue shortfall in the state budget of $2.75 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/20/chris-christie-new-jersey-pension-payments/9333971/ |title=Gov. Christie cuts N.J. pension payments |last1=Symons |first1=Michael |date=May 20, 2014 |website=USA Today |publisher=The Asbury Park (N.J.) Press |accessdate=May 22, 2014}}</ref> The state will instead make a $1.3 billion payment during the period. Christie cited the state constitution's requirement to have a balanced budget for his decision to cut payments to pensions for state workers, and follows Christie's changes to the state's pension formula earlier in 2014 to save $900 million through the end of his term.<ref>{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Zeke|title=Christie Cuts Pension Payments as Fiscal Record Shows Cracks|url=http://time.com/106570/christie-cuts-pension-payments-as-fiscal-record-shows-cracks/|work=Times|accessdate=May 23, 2014|date=May 20, 2014}}</ref>
==== Education ====
Perhaps the most controversial school policy kept alive during Christie's reign as governor of New Jersey was state control of school districts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/05/12/explainer-state-control-of-local-school-districts-comes-under-fire-in-third-decade/|accessdate=September 9, 2017|title=STATE CONTROL OF LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS COMES UNDER FIRE IN THIRD DECADE}}</ref> These school districts contained relatively high numbers of underachieving students, people of color, people who are poor, and people who belonged to the Democratic political party, which was in opposition to Christie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nj.gov/education/archive/abbotts/sosd/archive/streport.htm|title=Report to the Commissioner: Working Group on State Takeover|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/25/camden-schools-takeover/2017259/|title=N.J. governor announces takeover of Camden schools|last=|first=|date=|website=|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref> In Newark, Christie hired Chris Cerf to replace Cami Anderson to be the state-appointed authority over the school district<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bobbraunsledger.com/scrap-the-newark-education-success-board-it-will-only-impede-local-control/|accessdate=September 9, 2017|title=Scrap the "Newark Educational Success Board"–it will only impede local control}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bobbraunsledger.com/christie-and-cami-have-stolen-more-than-money-from-newark/|title=Christie and Cami have stolen more than money from Newark|last=|first=|date=|website=|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref> Under Christie, Cerf took the politically unpopular move to overrule the democratically elected school board in Newark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bobbraunsledger.com/the-newark-board-defies-cerf-cerf-politely-defies-the-newark-board-christie-is-still-the-decider/|title=The Newark board defies Cerf. Cerf (politely) defies the Newark board. Christie is still the "decider."|last=|first=|date=|website=|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref> Recent research concluded that the reforms pressed by Christie, Anderson, and Cerf were ineffective at improving outcomes in Newark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://njedpolicy.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/research-note-on-average-are-children-in-newark-doing-better/|title=Research Note: On Average, Are Children in Newark Doing Better?}}</ref> The reforms in Newark, of which Christie has claimed success,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/newark-officials-seek-obamas-help-to-stop-chris-christies-school-plan/2015/03/03/c4e23dc0-b7b2-11e4-9423-f3d0a1ec335c_story.html|title=Chris Christie's bold plan to remake public schools is running into trouble|last=|first=|date=|website=|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref> have also been criticized by the New Yorker Magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/05/19/schooled|title=Schooled:Cory Booker, Chris Christie, and Mark Zuckerberg had a plan to reform Newark's schools. They got an education.}}</ref> and a popular book titled ''The Prize''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/23/books/review/the-prize-by-dale-russakoff.html|title=The Prize|last=Russakoff|first=Dale|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
Another political scandal implicating Christie has been the under-funding of school districts. Reports found that Christie's state government did not follow the School Funding Reform Act and illegally withheld funds from districts throughout New Jersey. A 2017 school funding proposal by Christie was described by education researchers as "one of the least equitable in the country"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://njedpolicy.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/how-fair-is-the-fairness-formula-for-new-jersey-school-children-taxpayers/|title=How Fair is the “Fairness Formula” for New Jersey School Children & Taxpayers?|publisher=New Jersey Education Policy Forum|date=June 30, 2016|accessdate=December 8, 2018}}</ref> During Christie's governorship, State Commissioner of Education Chris Cerf came to the defense of the policies that the NJ Supreme Court declared unconstitutional,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/cerf_defends_christies_propose.html|title=Cerf defends Christie's proposed changes to school funding formula|publisher=[[NJ.com]]|last=Calefati|first=Jessica|date=March 29, 2012|accessdate=December 8, 2018}}</ref> which contradicted basic education research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://schoolfinance101.wordpress.com/2017/09/09/realty-check-trends-in-school-finance/|title=Realty Check: Trends in School Finance|publisher=School Finance 101|last=Baker|first=Bruce|date=September 9, 2017|accessdate=December 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdn.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/StealthInequities.pdf|title=The Stealth Inequities of School Funding|publisher=[[American Progress (newspaper)|American Progress]]|date=September 2012|last=Baker|first=Bruce|accessdate=December 8, 2018}}</ref>
Christie, whose own children attend [[Catholic school|Catholic parochial school]], is a strong supporter of the state granting [[tax credits]] to parents who send their children to [[Private school|private]] and [[parochial school]]s.<ref>{{cite news | last = Wiener | first = Robert | title = Christie holds meeting with Orthodox leaders: Republican hopeful offers support for school funding plans | newspaper = New Jersey Jewish News | date = August 6, 2009 | url = http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/080609/njChristieHoldsMeetings.html | access-date = May 24, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150112152540/http://njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/080609/njChristieHoldsMeetings.html# | archive-date = January 12, 2015 | dead-url = yes | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
He also supports the introduction of [[School voucher|state-funded vouchers]], which parents of students in failing school districts could use to pay the tuition of private schools, or of public schools in communities other than their own which agree to accept them.<ref name="Christie condemns">{{cite news| last = Rispoli| first=Michael| title = GOP gov. candidate Chris Christie condemns N.J. public schools as Gov. Corzine heralds system| newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]]| date = June 22, 2009| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ.html| accessdate = July 20, 2009}}</ref> Christie supports [[merit pay]] for teachers.<ref name="Christie aims">{{cite news|first = David M. |last = Halbfinger| title = Christie Aims at Democrats Unhappy With Poor Schools | newspaper = The New York Times| date = June 18, 2009| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/nyregion/19choice.html| accessdate = July 20, 2009}}</ref>
On August 25, 2010, the U.S. [[Department of Health and Human Services]] announced $400 million in federal [[Race to the Top]] education grants to New Jersey would not be funded due to a clerical error in the state's application made by an unidentified mid-level state official. Christie responded by saying that the [[Obama administration]] bureaucracy had overstepped its authority and that the error lay in an administration failure to communicate with the New Jersey government.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Friedman|first=Matt|date=August 25, 2010|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/gov_christie_blames_washington.html|title=Gov. Christie blames Washington bureaucracy for state's failed 'Race to the Top' application|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|accessdate=July 5, 2011}}</ref> However, information later came to light that the issue had already been raised with Christie's Education Commissioner [[Bret Schundler]], and in response Christie had asked for Schundler's resignation; Schundler initially agreed to resign, but the following morning asked to be fired instead, citing his need to claim unemployment benefits. Schundler maintained that he told Christie the truth and that Christie was misstating what actually occurred.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Katz|first=Matt|date=August 28, 2010|url=http://articles.philly.com/2010-08-28/news/24999092_1_christie-top-schools-official-million-mistake|title=Christie fires education chief Schundler after U.S. aid mistake|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|accessdate=July 5, 2011}}</ref>
In January 2011, the Christie administration approved 23 new charter schools, including the state's first independent school for children with autism. The approvals increased the number of charter schools in the state to 96.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie Expands Number of Charter Schools in New Jersey|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/19/christie-expands-number-charter-schools-new-jersey|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=January 19, 2011}}</ref>
On August 6, 2012, Christie signed a law reforming the tenure system for New Jersey public school teachers. Under the new law, teachers will be required to work four years, instead of three, in order to earn tenure. Additionally, teachers will need to earn positive ratings two years in a row before tenure can be awarded. Tenured teachers with poor ratings for two consecutive years will be eligible for dismissal. Finally the law limits the hearing process for appeals related to dismissal of tenured teachers to 105 days.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Jersey Gov Chris Christie gets tough on teacher tenure|author=Rachel Monahan|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/new-jersey-gov-chris-christie-tough-teacher-tenure-new-law-requires-educators-work-years-reach-status-article-1.1130359|location=New York|work=Daily News|date=August 6, 2012}}</ref>
On March 6, 2013, the Christie administration released proposed regulations to overhaul the process of evaluating public school teachers in New Jersey. Under the proposal, a percentage of teachers' evaluations would be based on student growth on state tests or based on student achievement goals set with principals.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Leslie Brody|date=March 6, 2013|title=Christie administration reveals details of teacher evaluation proposal|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/Christie_administration_unveils_details_of_teacher_evaluation_proposal.html|publisher=NorthJersey.com |accessdate=August 19, 2013}}</ref>
In September 2014, Christie signed a partnership with Mexico on a higher education project to foster economic cooperation. The program will focus on research ventures, cross-border fellowships, student and teacher exchanges and conferences—among other educational opportunities.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Colvin | first1=Jil | url=https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2014/09/04/christie-continues-mexico-trade-mission | title=Christie signs partnership with Mexico on higher education projects, won't discuss immigration | website=US News | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=September 9, 2014}}</ref>
==== Energy and environment ====
Christie has stated that he believes that the [[New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection]] is too big and is "killing business" with permit delays and indiscriminate fines. He announced that, if elected, the agency would be his first target for government reduction: he would reduce its workforce and strip it of its fish and wildlife oversight.<ref name="DEP cuts">{{cite news |last = Rispoli| first=Michael| title = GOP candidate Chris Christie calls for cuts to N.J. Department of Environmental Protection | newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]]| date = April 28, 2009| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/gop_candidate_chris_christie_c.html| accessdate = July 25, 2009}}</ref>
Christie has stated that he intends to simultaneously spur growth in the state's manufacturing sector and increase New Jersey's capability to produce [[alternative energy]]. He has proposed a list of policy measures to achieve this, including giving tax credits to businesses that build new [[wind power|wind energy]] and manufacturing facilities, changing land use rules to allow solar energy on [[Farmland preservation|permanently preserved farmland]], installing [[Photovoltaic power station|solar farms]] on closed landfills, setting up a consolidated energy promotion program, and following a five-to-one production to non-production job ratio in the creation of new energy jobs.<ref name="Energy as Industry">{{cite web| authorlink = Chris Christie for Governor, Inc| title = Energy as Industry| publisher = Chris Christie for Governor, Inc| url = http://www.christiefornj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180&Itemid=50| accessdate = July 14, 2009}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=Artix Kreiger 2 |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In August 2010, legislation to encourage the development of [[wind power in New Jersey]] was signed by Christie at the [[Port of Paulsboro]]. The ''Offshore Wind Economic Development Act'' authorized [[New Jersey Economic Development Authority]] to provide up to $100 million in tax credits for wind energy facilities.<ref>{{cite news | last = Beym | first = Jessica | title = Gov. Chris Christie at Paulsboro Marine Terminal to sign wind energy bill into law | newspaper = South Jersey Times | date = August 19, 2010 | url = http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2010/08/gov_chris_christie_at_paulsbor.html | accessdate = May 17, 2014 }}</ref> The governor has pledged to ban coal-fired power plants, and to reach 22.5% renewable generation in the state by 2021.<ref name="environmentalleader">{{cite web|url=http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/05/27/new-jersey-pulls-out-of-rggi-bans-coal-plants/|title=New Jersey Quits RGGI, Bans Coal Plants · Environmental Management & Sustainable Development News · Environmental Leader|publisher=environmentalleader.com|accessdate=February 7, 2015}}</ref>
On May 26, 2011, Christie announced he would pull the state out of [[Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative]].<ref>{{cite news | title= Gov. Christie announces N.J. pulling out of regional environmental initiative| date=May 26, 2011 |url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/gov_christie_to_announce_nj_pu.html | accessdate=May 26, 2011}}</ref> This was challenged in court which ruled in March 2014 that Christie had acted illegally in doing so since state regulations do not permit it.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hutchins | first = Ryan | title = Christie administration broke law in ignoring greenhouse gas rules, court says | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = March 25, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/christie_administration_broke_law_in_ignoring_greenhouse_gas_rules_court_says.html | accessdate = May 28, 2014}}</ref> His administration is seeking to repeal the rules.<ref>{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = Brent | title = Christie administration seeks to repeal rules tied to greenhouse gas program |newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = May 27, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/christie_administration_seeks_to_repeal_greenhouse_gas_rules.html | accessdate = May 28, 2014}}</ref>
===== Hydraulic fracturing =====
Christie has rejected permanent bans on [[hydraulic fracturing]] (fracking) in New Jersey and vetoed measures that would ban the process and disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste in the State. New Jersey has few proven shale reserves and the process is not practiced there. Christie argued that the vetoed Senate Bill (S253) was premature because of an ongoing study to be completed in 2014 and would discriminate against other states, a violation of the [[Dormant Commerce Clause]] of the U.S. Constitution.<ref name="PCT01102012">{{cite news|first= Malewitz|last=Jim|date=September 24, 2012|title=In New Jersey, Christie Vetoes Anti-Fracking Bill|url=http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/in-new-jersey-christie-vetoes-anti-fracking-bill-85899418995|work=Stateline|publisher=The Pew Charitable Trusts|accessdate= November 13, 2013}}</ref> Supporters of legislation have said that [[Hydraulic fracturing#Flowback|hydraulic fracturing waste]] from Pennsylvania makes its way into New Jersey for treatment, although how much is not clear. They also criticized Christie's legal analysis saying that the Office of Legislative Services has said that the bill is constitutional.<ref name="PCT01102012" />
===== Exxon Mobil environmental contamination lawsuit =====
{{Main|Exxon Mobil-New Jersey Environmental Contamination Settlement}}
Christie's settled a lawsuit with [[Exxon Mobil]] by allowing the corporation to pay $225 million in damages for environmental contamination at two sites, less than 3% of the $8.9 billion that the state's lawyers had sought, and extended the compensation to cover other damages not named in the original lawsuit.<ref name="ExxonSettlement">{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/state_announces_settlement_in_controversial_exxon.html|title=State announces settlement in controversial Exxon Mobil pollution case|last=Sullivan|first=S.P.|work=The Star-Ledger|date=March 5, 2015|accessdate=June 30, 2015}}</ref> The settlement was slammed by environmental advocates. [[David Pringle (activist)|David Pringle]], state campaign director of [[Clean Water Action]], called it "the biggest corporate subsidy in state history," vowing to overturn it.<ref>"N.J. judge approves controversial Christie, Exxon settlement" NJ.com, 8/25/15: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/nj_judge_approves_controversial_christie_exxon_set.html</ref> Jeff Tittel of the [[Sierra Club]] called this move "a violation of the public trust."<ref name="ExxonSettlement" /> The New Jersey State Senate also condemned the deal, with state Senator [[Raymond Lesniak]] and others suggesting the decision was Christie's effort to plug his own budget shortfalls at the expense of taxpayers over the long term.<ref>"N.J. lawmaker calls for resignation of state's acting attorney general amid Exxon controversy," NJ.com, 3/5/15: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/lawmaker_calls_for_resignation_of_states_acting_at.html</ref><ref>"Exxon Settles $9 Billion Pollution Case in New Jersey for Far Less," The New York Times, 2/27/15: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/28/nyregion/exxon-mobil-settles-with-new-jersey-over-environmental-damage.html</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/state_senate_condemns_christies_exxon_settlement.html|title=N.J. Senate condemns Christie's Exxon settlement|last=Sullivan|first=S.P.|work=The Star-Ledger|date=March 16, 2015|accessdate=June 30, 2015}}</ref> ExxonMobil had donated $500,000 to the Republican Governors Association while Christie was Chairman, though they have insisted it was unrelated to the ongoing suit.<ref>Ibid., NY Times, "New Jersey settles"</ref> The previous gubernatorial administration, that of Democrat Jon Corzine, had also attempted to settle with Exxon, for $550 million, though this offer was made before a 2009 ruling that strengthened the state's bargaining position.<ref name="NYTimesExxon">{{cite news|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/03/20/nyregion/christie-administration-deal-with-exxon-was-years-in-the-making.html|title=Christie Administration Deal With Exxon Was Years in the Making|last1=Weiser|first1=Benjamin|last2=Zernike|first2=Kate|work=The New York Times|date=March 15, 2015|accessdate=June 30, 2015}}</ref>
==== Supreme Court nominations ====
[[File:Chris Christie by Gage Skidmore 5.jpg|thumb|Governor Chris Christie speaking at an event in October 2015]]
By tradition since the 1947 [[Constitution of New Jersey|state constitution]], the seven member [[New Jersey Supreme Court]] maintains a political balance and is composed of four members of either the Democratic Party or Republican Party and three of the other.<ref name = CCstung>{{cite news | last = Celock | first = John | title = Chris Christie, Stung By New Jersey Supreme Court Nominee Defeat, Attacks Democratic Lawmakers | work = The Huffington Post | date = May 31, 2012 | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/chris-christie-new-jersey-supreme-court-nominee_n_1560938.html | accessdate =April 10, 2014}}</ref> Christie broke with the tradition in May 2010 when he chose not to renominate Justice [[John E. Wallace Jr.]]<ref>{{cite news | last = Love | first = David A. | title = Ouster of a black judge is linked to Christie's Bridgegate | publisher = The Grio | date = January 14, 2014 | url = http://thegrio.com/2014/01/14/ouster-of-a-black-judge-is-linked-to-christies-bridgegate/ | accessdate = May 3, 2014}}</ref> Christie had said the court "had inappropriately encroached on both the executive and legislative function, and that if elected governor, I would take steps through the decisions I made regarding the court to bring back an appropriate constitutional balance to the court."<ref>{{cite news | last = Lu | first = Adrienne | title = Christie acts to replace only black N.J. justice He nominated Anne M. Patterson to the high court. | website = The Philadelphia Inquirer | date = May 4, 2010 | url = http://articles.philly.com/2010-05-04/news/25217679_1_renomination-lifetime-tenure-entire-justice-system | accessdate = May 3, 2014}}</ref>
Since taking office, Christie has been in a major conflict with the [[New Jersey Legislature]] over the court's partisan balance.<ref>{{cite news | last = Magyar | title = Christie's Judicial Shuffle Escalates Supreme Curt Battle | publisher = NJ Spotlight | date = August 13, 2013 | url = http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/13/08/13/christie-s-judicial-shuffle-escalates-supreme-court-battle/?p=all | accessdate =April 11, 2014}}</ref><ref name = DPRAhead>{{cite news | last = Burney | first = Melanie | title = Christie plans to name DRPA head as judge | work = The Philadelphia Inquirer | date = January 5, 2014 | url = http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-05/news/45862125_1_matheussen-drpa-christie | accessdate = May 2, 2014}}</ref> The stand-off between the governor and the [[New Jersey Senate]] has resulted in longstanding vacancies, with temporarily assigned appellate judges filling in.<ref>{{cite web | last = Aron | first = Michael | title = Supreme Court Still On Standoff Over Appointments | publisher = NJTV News | date = December 26, 2013 | url = http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/supreme-court/ | accessdate = August 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Rizzo | first = Salvador | title = Reacting to Christie, NJ lawyers call for constitutional amendment to protect judges | work = The Star-Ledger | date = April 11, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/reacting_to_christie_nj_lawyers_call_for_constitutional_amendment_to_protect_judges.html#incart_flyout_politics | accessdate = August 11, 2014}}</ref>
==== Minimum wage and equal pay for women ====
In January 2013, Christie vetoed a [[New Jersey Legislature]] bill that would have raised the [[minimum wage]] from $7.25 to $8.50 per hour.<ref>{{cite news | last = Portnoy | first = Jenna | title = Christie vetoes minimum wage bill, Democrats vow to put measure on ballot | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = January 28, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/christie_minimum_wage.html | accessdate = October 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Russ | first = Hilary | title = Chris Christie Vetoes Minimum Wage Increase, Proposes Smaller One | newspaper = The Huffington Post | date = January 28, 2014 | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/28/chris-christie-minimum-wage_n_2568576.html | accessdate = October 28, 2014}}</ref> The following November, the issue was placed on the ballot as a constitutional amendment referendum, passing with 61% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news | last = Livio | first = Susan | title = N.J. voters approve constitutional amendment raising minimum wage | newspaper = The Jersey Journal | date = November 5, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/nj_voters_approve_constitutional_amendment_raising_minimum_wage.html | accessdate = October 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Election 2013: New Jersey ballot question results | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = November 5, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/election_2013_new_jersey_ballot_question_results.html | accessdate = October 28, 2014}}</ref>
On September 21, 2012, Christie signed Assembly Bill No. 2647 (A-2647) into law that requires employers to post and distribute notice of employees' rights to gender-equal pay, but conditionally vetoed other gender parity bills, requesting revision.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey Imposes Gender-Equality Notice Obligations on Employers|url=http://www.natlawreview.com/article/new-jersey-imposes-gender-equality-notice-obligations-employers|work=[[The National Law Review]]|publisher=[[Morgan, Lewis & Bockius]] |date=October 2, 2012|accessdate=December 5, 2012}}</ref>
==== Farm animal welfare ====
In June 2013, Christie vetoed S1921, an animal welfare bill introduced by the [[Humane Society of the United States]] to prohibit the use of [[gestation crates]] on pregnant pigs in the state. The bill had passed in the [[New Jersey General Assembly|General Assembly]] with a vote of 60–5 and the [[New Jersey Senate|Senate]] 29–4.<ref>{{cite news | title = SENATE, No. 1921 | publisher = New Jersey Legislature | date = May 13, 2012 | url = http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/S2000/1921_R1.HTM | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=\Chris Christie Vetoes NJ Pork Gestation Crate Ban|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/chris-christie-gestation-crate_n_3512521.html | work=[[The Huffington Post]] | date=June 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Huffstuutter | first = P. J. | title = New Jersey governor vetoes ban on gestation crate use | agency = [[Reuters]] | date = January 27, 2013 | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-usa-farm-gestation-crate-veto-idUSBRE95Q1I920130627 | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref> A 2013 survey by [[Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.]] showed 91% of New Jersey voters supported the legislation.<ref>{{cite web | title = Animal Welfare Groups Urge N.J. Legislators to Support Override on Gestation Crate Bill | publisher = Humane Society of the United States | date = September 17, 2013 | url = http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/09/animal-welfare-groups-urge-gestation-crate-bill-override-091713.html | accessdate = December 6, 2014}}</ref> An attempt to override the veto did not come to a vote.<ref>{{cite news | last = Portnoy | first = Jenna | title = N.J. Senate to attempt to override Christie's veto on pig crates bill Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill in June that would have prohibited the farm practice of placing pregnant pigs in gestation cages | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = November 11, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/chris_christie_pig_veto_override.html | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, a similar bill banning gestation crates, S998, was proposed with a vote in the Senate of 32–1 and in the Assembly of 53–13 (with 9 abstentions)<ref>{{cite news | title = SENATE, No. 998 | publisher = New Jersey Legislature | date = January 27, 2014 | url = http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/S1000/998_I1.HTM | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = S998 Sca (1R) | publisher = New Jersey Legislature | url = http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=S998 | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref> While campaigning in Iowa in November, in a conversation with the former president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Christie indicated he would veto the bill.<ref>{{cite news | last = Arco | first = Matt | title = Chris Christie tells Iowa voters he'll veto N.J. pig bill that's unpopular in presidential battleground state | work = The Star-Ledger | date = November 14, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/11/chris_christie_tells_iowa_voters_hell_veto_nj_pig_bill_thats_unpopular_in_2016_presidential_battlegr.html | accessdate = December 6, 2014}}</ref> He did so on November 27, 2014.<ref>{{cite news | last = Brodesser-Akner | first = Claude | title = Christie vetoes pig crate ban, accuses sponsors of partisan politicking | newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]] | date = November 28, 2014 | url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/11/christie_vetoes_pig_crate_ban_accusses_sponsors_of_partisan_politicking.html#incart_m-rpt-2 | accessdate = November 30, 2014}}</ref> The bill's sponsor, Senator [[Raymond Lesniak]], has vowed to override it.<ref>{{cite news | last = Arco | first = Matt | title = Lawmakers will try to override Chris Christie veto of N.J. pig bill as Iowa governor cheers it | work = The Star-Ledger | date = December 2, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/lawmakers_will_try_to_override_christie_veto_of_nj_pig_bill_as_iowa_governor_cheers_it.html | accessdate = December 6, 2014}}</ref>
==== Immigrants and immigration laws ====
Christie emphasizes the need to secure the border, and believes it is premature to discuss legalization of people who came to the United States unlawfully.<ref>Massie, Christopher. [https://www.buzzfeed.com/christophermassie/christie-rubio-wrong-to-propose-legalization-of-undocumented "Christie: Rubio 'Wrong' To Propose Legalization Of Undocumented Immigrants"], [[Buzzfeed News]] (December 19, 2015).</ref> While serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Christie stressed that simply "[b]eing in this country without proper documentation is not a crime," but rather a civil wrong; and that undocumented people are not criminals unless they have re-entered the country after being deported. As such, Christie stated, responsibility for dealing with improperly documented foreign nationals lies with [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]], not the [[United States Attorney|U.S. Attorney's Office]].<ref name="Immigrants">{{cite news|first = Julie |last = O'Connor| title = Christie: Immigrants are not criminals | newspaper = [[The Star-Ledger]]| date = April 27, 2008| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/immigrants_and_their_advocates.html| accessdate = July 28, 2009}}</ref>
Christie has been critical about [[Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g)|section 287(g)]] of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enacted in 1996, which can be used to grant local law enforcement officers power to perform immigration law enforcement functions.<ref name="LG tour">{{cite news|first = Max| last = Pizarro| title = Christie stands with Guadagno on first stop of LG tour| publisher = [[Politicker Network|PolitickerNJ.com]]| date = July 20, 2009| url = http://www.politickernj.com/max/31534/christie-stands-guadagno-first-stop-lg-tour| accessdate = July 28, 2009}}</ref>
In December 2013, Christie signed legislation allowing unauthorized immigrants who attend high school for at least three years in New Jersey and graduate to be eligible for the resident rates at state college and universities and community colleges.<ref>{{cite news | last = Baxter | first = Christopher | title = Chris Christie signs bill granting in-state tuition to N.J. immigrants | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = December 20, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/chris_christie_signs_bill_granting_in-state_tuition_to_nj_immigrants.html | accessdate = April 1, 2014}}</ref>
==== Homosexuality and same-sex marriage ====
Governor Chris Christie opposed [[Same-sex marriage|gay marriage]] but supported [[civil union]]s for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/02/chris-christie-becoming-democrats-favorite-republican/317945/|title=Chris Christie Is Becoming Democrats' Favorite Republican|last=Reeve|first=Elspeth|date=2013-02-26|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2018-07-16|language=en-US}}</ref> "Christie previously vetoed gay marriage legislation. He has said he supports the state's civil union law, which was enacted to give gay couples the benefits of marriage but not the title."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/08/19/nj-governor-chris-christie-signs-ban-on-gay-conversion-therapy/|title=NJ governor Chris Christie signs ban on gay conversion therapy|date=2013-08-19|work=The Mercury News|access-date=2018-07-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Christie indicated in 2009 that he would veto any bill legalizing [[same-sex marriage in New Jersey|same-sex marriage in the state]],<ref name="Christie Promises Change" /> saying, "I also believe marriage should be exclusively between one man and one woman.... If a bill legalizing same sex marriage came to my desk as Governor, I would veto it."<ref name="HuffPost" /> On February 13, 2012, the State Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 24 to 16, and on February 16, the [[New Jersey General Assembly|Assembly]] passed it by a vote of 42 to 33, with three Republicans and one Democrat not voting, and one seat temporarily vacant. In neither house was the bill passed by a veto-proof majority. Governor Christie vetoed the bill the next day and called for a constitutional amendment for same-sex marriage to be presented to the voters as a ballot referendum.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper=The New York Times |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/18/nyregion/christie-vetoes-gay-marriage-bill.html |title=Christie Vetoes Gay Marriage Bill |date= February 17, 2012 |accessdate=March 30, 2014 |author=Kate Zernike}}</ref> He also called for creation of an [[ombudsman]] (public advocate) to ensure compliance with the state's existing [[Recognition of same-sex unions in New Jersey|civil union]] law.<ref>{{Cite news|title=N.J. Gov. Christie vetoes gay marriage bill as vowed|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-02-17/gay-marriage-new-jersey/53136648/1|date=February 17, 2012|work=[[USA Today]]|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=February 17, 2012}}</ref>
Christie's veto was overturned in a court decision in the ''[[Same-sex marriage in New Jersey#Garden State Equality v. Dow|Garden State Equality v. Dow]]'' case, in which the judge stated New Jersey was "... violating the mandate of Lewis and the New Jersey Constitution's equal protection guarantee". Following the decision, the Christie administration immediately asked the state Supreme Court to grant a [[Stay of proceedings|stay]] of the decision pending appeal, which was denied on October 18, 2013, in a 7–0 decision of the court which stated that it could "find no public interest in depriving a group of New Jersey residents of their constitutional right to equal protection while the appeals process unfolds".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/NJ_Supreme_Court_declines_to_issue_stay_in_gay_marriage_ruling.html|title=NJ Supreme Court won't delay gay marriage|publisher=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]]|date=October 18, 2013|accessdate=October 22, 2013}}</ref> Three days later Christie withdrew the state's appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2013/10/21/christie-drops-appeal-of-gay-marriage-ruling/|title = Christie drops appeal of gay marriage ruling|work = The Washington Post|date = October 21, 2013|accessdate = October 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Koenig|first=Bryan|title=Christie drops challenge to same-sex marriages|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/21/christie-drops-challenge-to-same-sex-marriages/?hpt=po_c2|publisher=CNN|date=October 21, 2013|accessdate=October 21, 2013}}</ref>
Christie believes that homosexuality is innate, having said, "If someone is born that way, it's very difficult to say then that that's a sin."<ref>{{cite news | last = Young | first = Elise |author2=Sherman, Stacy | title = Christie Says Gayness Inborn as He Signs Therapy Measure | newspaper = Bloomberg | date = August 19, 2013 | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-19/christie-says-gayness-inborn-as-he-signs-therapy-measure.html | accessdate = May 28, 2014}}</ref> On August 19, 2013, Christie signed a bill outlawing [[gay conversion therapy]] for children, making New Jersey the second state to institute such a law.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Christie to sign New Jersey ban on gay conversion therapy|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2013/08/chris-christie-gay-conversion-therapy-new-jersey-95666.html|work=Politico|accessdate=August 19, 2013}}</ref> The law was challenged in the courts,<ref>{{cite news | last = Mulshine | first = Paul | title = Gay-conversion case could hurt Chris Christie's standing in GOP: Mulshine | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = June 12, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/06/gay-conversion_case_could_hurt_chris_christies_standing_in_gop_mulshine.html#incart_river_default | accessdate = June 12, 2014}}</ref> with Christie, in his official capacity as governor, named an appellee.<ref>{{cite court |litigants = TARA KING, ED.D., individually and on behalf of her patients, RONALD NEWMAN, PH.D., individually and on behalf of his patients, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND THERAPY OF HOMOSEXUALITY (NARTH), and AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS (AACC), (Plaintiffs/Appellants) v. CHRISTOPHER J. CHRISTIE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, in his official capacity, ERIC T. KANEFSKY, Director of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety: Division of Consumer Affairs, in his official capacity, MILAGROS COLLAZO, Executive Director of the New Jersey Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, in her official capacity, J. MICHAEL WALKER, Executive Director of the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners, in his official capacity; and PAUL JORDAN, President of the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners, in his official capacity (Defendants/Appellees) and GARDEN STATE EQUALITY (Interevor/Appellee) |vol = CASE NO. 13-4429 |reporter = |opinion = |pinpoint = |court = UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY TRENTON DIVISION |date = January 10, 2014 |url= https://www.liberty.edu/media/9980/attachments/Brief_-_Opening_King_v_Christie.pdf}}</ref>
In September 2014, a panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, saying it did not violate free speech or religious rights.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnatan|first1=Stempel|title=New Jersey ban on 'gay conversion therapy' is upheld|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/11/usa-gaytherapy-newjersey-idUSL1N0RC1C520140911|agency=Reuters|accessdate=September 13, 2014|date=September 11, 2014}}</ref>
==== Abortion ====
In his early political career, Christie was [[pro-choice]], stating in an interview that "I would call myself … a kind of a non-thinking pro-choice person, kind of the default position".<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bob Ingle |author2=Michael Symons |title=Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power|date=June 5, 2012|isbn=1-250-03126-5|page=54}}</ref> Later on Christie evolved his position to be against [[Abortion rights|abortion]]: "I am [[pro-life]]. Hearing the strong heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago at 13 weeks gestation had a profound effect on me and my beliefs."<ref name="HuffPost">{{cite news| last = Bohrer| first = John R.| title = Another Leading Republican's Values Go Missing| newspaper = [[The Huffington Post]]| date = June 24, 2009| url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-bohrer/another-leading-republica_b_220452.html| accessdate = July 14, 2009}}</ref> He has stated, with respect to his opposition to [[abortion]], that he would not use the governor's office to "force that down people's throats", but does favor restrictions on abortion such as banning "[[Intact dilation and extraction|partial-birth abortion]]", requiring [[Minors and abortion|parental notification]], and imposing a 24-hour waiting period.<ref name="Christie Promises Change">{{cite news| last = Heininger| first = Claire| last2 = Margolin| first2 = Josh| title = Chris Christie promises change to a 'broken' state in campaign kickoff| newspaper= [[The Star-Ledger]]| date = February 4, 2009| url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/chris_christie_promises_change.html| accessdate = July 14, 2009}}</ref> He does support legal access to abortion in cases of rape, incest, or if the woman's life is in danger.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/02/04/chris-christie-faults-marco-rubios-abortion-position-and-misrepresents-it/|title=Chris Christie Faults Marco Rubio's Abortion Position, and Misrepresents It|last=Barbaro|first=Michael|work=First Draft|access-date=2018-07-16|language=en}}</ref>
In 2014, campaigning in [[Alabama]] for incumbent governor [[Robert J. Bentley|Robert Bentley]], Christie stated that he was the first "pro-life governor" elected in New Jersey since ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' in 1973.<ref name="Christie in Alabama">{{cite news| last = Killough| first = Ashley | title = Christie touts conservative chops in Alabama| publisher= [[CNN]]| date = August 13, 2014| url = http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/08/13/christie-touts-conservative-chops-in-alabama | accessdate = August 13, 2014}}</ref> He also stated that he had vetoed funding for [[Planned Parenthood]] five times as governor.<ref name="Christie in Alabama" /> In March 2015, Christie joined other potential [[Republican Party presidential candidates, 2016|2016 Republican presidential candidates]] in endorsing a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.<ref>''[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/30/chris-christie-endorses-20-week-abortion-new-jersey Chris Christie endorses 20-week abortion ban: 'I am proud to be a pro-life Republican']'' Sabrina Siddiqui, ''The Guardian'', March 30, 2015.</ref>
On August 4, 2015, Christie stated that he has used birth control other than the [[rhythm method]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/chris-christie-uses-birth-control-not-just-the-rhythm-method|title=Chris Christie has used birth control, not 'just the rhythm method'|author=Adam Howard|publisher=MSNBC|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://time.com/3983711/chris-christie-birth-control/|title=Chris Christie Says He Used Birth Control: 'Not Just the Rhythm Method'|author=Tanya Basu|work=Time|accessdate=August 10, 2015|date=August 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/04/politics/chris-christie-birth-control/|title=Christie: Does using birth control make me a bad Catholic? |author=Eugene Scott, CNN|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=CNN|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chris-christie-ive-used-birth-control-not-just-rhythm-method/|title=Chris Christie: "I've used birth control, and not just the rhythm method"|date=August 5, 2015|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref> This discussion was made during a town hall meeting when Christie was talking about his Catholic faith.
==== Medical marijuana and legalization for recreational use ====
The "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" was enacted in January 2010.<ref>ftp://www.njleg.state.nj.us/20082009/PL09/307_.HTM</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Nurin | first = Tara | title = NJ'S MEDICINAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM FINALLY MOVING FORWARD | publisher = NJ Spotlight | date = January 21, 2014 | url = http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/01/20/nj-s-medicinal-marijuana-program-finally-moving-forward/ | accessdate = May 5, 2014}}</ref> {{as of|2013}} New Jersey is one of 20 states where [[medical marijuana]] is available. In August 2013, Christie signed a bill to ease restrictions for children in the program.<ref>{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = Brent | title = Chris Christie says he opposes bill to legalize marijuana in NJ | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = April 9, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/chris_christie_says_he_does_support_bill_to_legalize_marijuana_in_nj.html | accessdate = May 6, 2014}}</ref> Christie is opposed to legalization of recreational marijuana use.<ref>{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = Brent | title = Christie: Not even 'casual' marijuana use is OK | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = April 14, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/christie_not_even_casual_marijuana_use_is_ok.html | accessdate = May 6, 2014}}</ref> He believes marijuana to be a [[gateway drug]] and that taxes from its sale are "blood money".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Robert|title=Chris Christie Says Marijuana Taxes Are Blood Money. Is He Right?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2015/03/23/native-american-tribes-eye-marijuana-business-with-their-tax-free-gaming-advantage/|work=Forbes|accessdate=March 31, 2015}}</ref> Christie said he would "crack down" on states that have ended the prohibition of [[cannabis]] if he were president.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ferner|first1=Matt|title=Chris Christie: 'I Will Crack Down And Not Permit' Legal Marijuana As President|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/chris-christie-marijuana_n_7066636.html|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=April 15, 2015|date=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
==== Vaccination ====
Christie responded to calls by President Obama to prevent the spread of measles by saying that parents should have a choice.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2015/02/02/chris-christie-vaccinations-measles-obama/ |title=Christie urges government to find 'balance' on vaccines for kids |last1=Camia |first1=Catalina |date=February 2, 2015 |work=USA Today |accessdate=February 2, 2015}}</ref> The governor's office said that he "believes vaccines are an important public health protection and with a disease like measles there is no question kids should be vaccinated",<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/02/politics/chris-christie-vaccines/ |title=Chris Christie sidesteps vaccine science |last1=Collinson |first1=Stephen |date=February 3, 2015 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=February 3, 2015}}</ref> but that he was unaware of a free national program to provide new parents with a vaccine checklist.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/04/chris-christie-new-jersey-vaccine-program |title= Christie stays out of vaccine greeting card program embraced by 2016 rivals |last1=Swaine |first1=Jon |date=February 8, 2015 |work=The Guardian |accessdate=February 8, 2015}}</ref>
==== Firearms ====
In December 2010, Christie commuted the seven-year sentence of [[Brian Aitken]], who had been convicted of transporting three guns within the state; as a result, Aitken was released from prison.<ref>{{cite news | last = Megerian | first = Chris | title = Gun owner Brian Aitken is released from prison after Gov. Christie commutes sentence | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = December 21, 2010 | url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/gun_owner_brian_aitken_is_rele.html | accessdate = May 24, 2014}}</ref>
Christie has said that each state has the right to determine firearms laws without federal interference.<ref>{{cite news | last = Portnoy | first = Jenna | title = Gov. Christie says N.J. has enough gun laws, smacks down 'grandstanding' | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = July 23, 2012 | url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/christie_says_nj_has_enough_gu.html | accessdate = May 24, 2014 | quote = 'I believe that each state should have the right to make firearms laws as they see fit,' Christie said during the campaign. 'I don't believe it's right for the federal government to get into the middle of this and decide firearms laws for the people of the state of New Jersey.'}}</ref> When announcing his candidacy in 2009 he said he supported aggressive enforcement of the [[Gun laws in New Jersey|state's current gun laws]].<ref name="Christie Promises Change" /> In 2013, he chose not to defend a legal challenge to a New Jersey law requiring individuals to prove an urgent threat of violence before getting permits to carry handguns.<ref>{{cite news | last = Rizzo | first = Slavadpr | title = N.J. handgun law heads to state's top court | work = The Star-Ledger | date = August 2, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/08/nj_handgun_law_heads_to_states_top_court.html | accessdate = May 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Rizzo | first = Salvador | title = Christie voices support for N.J. handgun law, but sidesteps legal battles | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = January 2, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/christie_not_defending_nj_gun_law_in_states_highest_court.html | accessdate =May 24, 2014}}</ref> In July 2014, Christie vetoed legislation that would have reduced the allowed legal size of [[Magazine (firearms)|ammunition magazines]]. Instead he re-wrote it, proposing a new standard for [[involuntary commitment]] of people who are not necessarily deemed dangerous "but whose mental illness, if untreated, could deteriorate to the point of harm" as well as other forms of involuntary mental health treatments.<ref>{{cite news | last = Perlman/ | first = William | title = Christie vetoes gun control bill to reduce size of ammunition magazines | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = July 2, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/07/christie_vetoes_gun-contol_bill_to_reduce_size_of_ammunition_magazines.html#incart_river | accessdate = June 28, 2014}}</ref> Christie had previously vetoed proposed legislation that would bar the state pension fund from investing in companies that manufacture or sell assault firearms for civilian use and a bill to prohibit the sale of .50-caliber rifles to civilians.<ref>{{cite news | last = Friedman | first = Matt | title = New gun bill scorecard: Track New Jersey's gun legislation | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = July 3, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/07/new_gun_bill_scorecard_track_new_jerseys_gun_legislation.html | accessdate = July 5, 2014}}</ref> In July 2015, Christie vetoed a bill passed the Assembly by a 74–0 (six abstentions) and the Senate by a 38–0 (2 abstentions) which would require anyone seeking to have their mental health records expunged to purchase a firearm to notify the State Police, their county prosecutor and their local police department when petitioning the court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/christie_vetoes_gun_bill.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured|title=Christie vetoes gun bill supported by N.J. Republicans & Democrats|work=The Star-Ledger}}</ref> In October 2015, the New Jersey Senate voted to override Christie's veto.<ref>{{Cite web | last=McGeehan | first=Patrick | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/23/nyregion/new-jersey-senate-overrides-christies-veto-of-gun-control-bill.html | title=New Jersey Senate Overrides Christie's Veto of Gun Control Bill | work=The New York Times | date=October 22, 2015 | access-date=November 2, 2015}}</ref>
In January 2018, during his final days as Governor of New Jersey, Christie signed legislation making [[Bump fire|bump stocks]] illegal in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/nj_bans_gun_device_used_in_las_vegas_shooting_afte.html|title=N.J. bans gun device used in Las Vegas shooting after Christie signs bill|first=NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|website=NJ.com|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
==== Transportation ====
Christie has raised tolls and fares ("user fees") on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Hudson River crossings and NJ Transit buses and trains during his administration to fund projects throughout the state.<ref name=PAshuffle>{{cite news | last = Boburg | first = Shawn | title = Christie's toll-money shuffle: Port Authority funds paying for repairs to state roads | newspaper = The Record | date = March 30, 2014 | url = http://www.northjersey.com/news/christie-s-toll-money-shuffle-port-authority-funds-paying-for-repairs-to-state-roads-video-1.836409 | accessdate = March 22, 2014}}</ref> In 2014, Christie authorized the increase of numerous other fees charged by the state for various licensing and administrative fees.<ref>{{cite news | last = Seidman | first = Amdres | title = Christie: 'Fees,' fixes are not taxes. Adjustments the governor's budget proposes are similar to what he attacked Buono for in the 2013 campaign. | website = The Philadelphia Inquirer | date = April 14, 2014 | url = http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-14/news/49100976_1_sales-tax-christie-tax-increases | accessdate = May 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Isherwood | first = Daryl | title = Christie administration proposes 23 fee increases with new budget | work = The Star-Ledger | date = May 7, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/increases_in_23_fees_proposed_with_new_budget.html | accessdate = May 8, 2014}}</ref>
In 2010, Christie cancelled the [[Access to the Region's Core]] project, which would have constructed two new tunnels under the Hudson River and a new terminal station in New York City for NJ Transit commuter trains.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Elise|title=Christie Endorses Tunnel Four Years After Killing Project|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-06/christie-endorses-tunnel-four-years-after-killing-project|accessdate=June 27, 2015|work=BloombergBusiness|date=January 6, 2015}}</ref> He cited escalating costs and possible further overruns as the reason for his decision.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Arco|first1=Matt|title=Looking back: Chris Christie's reasons for scrapping ARC tunnel|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/10/looking_back_chris_christies_reasons_for_scrapping_arc_tunnel.html|accessdate=June 27, 2015|work=The Star-Ledger|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref> Proponents of the project said it would have created 6,000 construction jobs per year and 45,000 secondary jobs once complete.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Frassinelli|first1=Mike|title=Gov. Christie cancels ARC tunnel for second time|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/10/gov_christie_cancels_arc_tunne.html|accessdate=June 29, 2015|work=The Star-Ledger|date=October 27, 2010}}</ref> After the cancellation, New Jersey had to return $95 million to the federal government, and used $1.8 billion of [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] money from the project budget to pay for repairs to the [[Pulaski Skyway]], since the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund that should fund such maintenance is effectively bankrupt.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Resnikoff|first1=Ned|title=Christie's other traffic jam|url=http://www.msnbc.com/all-7|accessdate=June 27, 2015|publisher=MSNBC|date=January 26, 2014}}</ref> The termination of the project has made the need for increased rail capacity under the Hudson River more urgent, and [[Amtrak]]'s [[Gateway Project]] to bore new tunnels is currently unfunded.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rubinstein|first1=Dana|title=Christie's other transit scandal could be the big one|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/10/8553855/christies-other-transit-scandal-could-be-big-one|accessdate=June 27, 2015|work=Capital New York|date=October 3, 2014}}</ref>
=== Hurricane Sandy ===
[[File:Chris Christie On Post-Sandy Obama Meet- 'I Would Do It Again' - Morning Joe - MSNBC.webm|thumb|right|200px|'Chris Christie On Post-Sandy Obama Meet- 'I Would Do It Again'' video from [[MSNBC]] in 2017 in the aftermath of [[Hurricane Harvey]]]]
{{See also|Governorship_of_Chris_Christie#Hoboken_Sandy_relief_funds_investigation|l1=Hoboken Sandy relief funds investigation}}
On December 28, 2012, the [[U.S. Senate]] approved $60.4 billion aid package for [[Effects of Hurricane Sandy in the United States|Hurricane Sandy disaster relief]].<ref>{{cite web|authors= Doug Palmer & David Lawder |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congress-sandy-amendment-idUSBRE8BR0N120121229|agency=Reuters|title=Senate approves $60.4 billion Superstorm Sandy aid bill}}</ref> The House did not vote until the next session on January 3. On January 2, Christie criticized the delay as "selfishness and duplicity" and blamed the House Speaker [[John Boehner]] and the rest of the House Republican leadership.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/chris-christie-calls-disgusting-boehners-decision-yank-sandy/story?id=18114029|title=Chris Christie Calls 'Disgusting' Boehner's Decision to Yank Sandy Funds|publisher=ABC News|date=January 2, 2013|accessdate=October 8, 2013}}</ref> A bill for relief was passed in the House on January 15.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/sandy-and-the-hastert-rule/?|title=Sandy and the Hastert Rule|work=The New York Times|date=January 16, 2013|accessdate=October 8, 2013|first=David|last=Firestone}}</ref>
In 2014, the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] started an investigation of Christie for making state grants of Hurricane Sandy relief funds to New Jersey cities conditional on support for other projects.<ref>RawStory, 2014 Jan 19, "Hoboken Mayor Met for Hours with Feds Today After Airing Christie Shakedown Allegations," http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/hoboken-mayor-met-for-hours-with-feds-today-after-airing-christie-shakedown-allegations/</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/us-attorney-inquiry-christie-widens|title=US attorney inquiry into Christie widens|author=Steve Kornacki|publisher=MSNBC}}</ref><ref>MSNBC, 2014 Sep 24, "Investigations Around Christie Administration Continue," http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/investigations-around-christie-administration-continue</ref>
=== Visit to the Middle East ===
Continuing the tradition of earlier New Jersey governors since the 1980s, Christie traveled to [[Israel]] in April 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie and Israel|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/145465355_Christie_and_Israel.html|accessdate=April 2, 2012|work=The Record|location=Woodland Park, NJ|date=April 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Haddon|first=Heather|title=Christie Takes Trade Mission to Jerusalem|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303816504577318000362267114|accessdate=April 2, 2012|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=April 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Portnoy|first=Jenna|title=Visit to Jerusalem puts Christie on world stage|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/visit_to_jerusalem_puts_christ.html|accessdate=April 2, 2012|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]|date=April 1, 2012}}</ref> During the visit, which included meetings with Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and President [[Shimon Peres]], Christie commented that "[[Jerusalem]] has never been better or freer than under Israeli control."<ref>{{cite news|last=Portnoy|first=Jenna|title=Gov. Christie: Israeli control is best for proper worship at holy sites|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/gov_christie_israeli_control_i.html|accessdate=April 7, 2012|newspaper=[[New Jersey On-Line]]|date=April 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Christie to Peres: NJ Wants More Ties With Israel|url=http://www.newsmax.com/US/christie-peres-ties-israel/2012/04/03/id/434676|accessdate=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[NewsMax.com]]|date=April 3, 2012|agency=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> Christie took a helicopter tour of the [[West Bank]] and cautioned against Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, Jerusalem or the Golan Heights.<ref>[http://forward.com/articles/154927/christie-takes-hawkish-line-on-occupation "Christie Takes Hawkish Line on Occupation"]. ''[[The Forward]]''. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. April 17, 2012.</ref> The official title given to the trip was "Jersey to Jerusalem Trade Mission: Economic Growth, Diplomacy, Observance".<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie, family going to Israel, Jordan on trade mission|url=http://www.app.com/article/20120328/NJNEWS10/303280115|accessdate=April 2, 2012|newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]]|date=March 29, 2012}}</ref> The visit to Israel was Christie's first official overseas trip since taking office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie's trip to Israel gets under way|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/politics&id=8604333|accessdate=August 11, 2012|publisher=[[WPVI-TV]]|date=April 2, 2012|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=Philadelphia, PA}}</ref> From Israel, Christie continued with his family to [[Jordan]], as guests of [[King Abdullah II]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reitmeyer|first=John|title=Christie keeps a lower profile on Jordan trip|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/christiejordan040712.html|accessdate=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[NorthJersey.com]]|date=April 7, 2012}}</ref>
=== 2013 re-election campaign ===
{{Main|2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election}}
In November 2012, Christie filed papers to run for a second term in office.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://news.yahoo.com/ap-sources-christie-files-seek-election-200243373--election.html|title=AP Sources: Chris Christie files to seek re-election |publisher=Yahoo! News|date=November 26, 2012|accessdate=November 3, 2013|first=Angela|last=Delli Santi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Mark Murray|url=http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/26/15460809-christie-files-paperwork-to-run-for-re-election|title=Christie files paperwork to run for re-election|publisher=NBC News|date=November 26, 2012|accessdate=December 1, 2012}}</ref> Christie was reelected by a large margin on November 5, 2013, defeating Democratic nominee [[Barbara Buono]]. Christie advisors said that Christie sought to win by a large margin to position himself for the presidential primaries and develop a model for other Republican candidates.<ref name=Martin>Martin, Jonathan. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/nyregion/christies-re-election-engine-gets-in-gear-for-a-bigger-race.html Christie's Re-election Engine Gets in Gear for a Bigger Race], ''The New York Times'' (August 17, 2013).</ref> Christie began building a national fundraising network, aided by the fact that only one other state had a gubernatorial contest in 2013, and those financial resources were intended to support a major outreach effort toward blacks, Hispanics and women.<ref name=Martin /> He also ordered a $25 million [[United States Senate special election in New Jersey, 2013|special election]] to fill the seat of the deceased Senator [[Frank Lautenberg]]. The move was believed to be motivated by a desire to keep Newark Mayor [[Cory Booker]] from sharing an election day, 20 days afterward, with Christie, thereby depressing otherwise anticipated black voter turnout that tended to vote Democratic.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/chris-christie-nj-special-election-date-set-oct-16-2013-6 Chris Christie Will Spend $25 Million Of Taxpayer Money To Avoid Cory Booker'], [[Business Insider]], Brett LoGiurato, June 13, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2014.</ref>
=== Fort Lee lane closure ===
{{Main|Fort Lee lane closure scandal}}
[[File:GW Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|[[George Washington Bridge]] over the Hudson River, looking west from [[Manhattan]] to [[Fort Lee, New Jersey|Fort Lee]] and the [[The Palisades (Hudson River)|Palisades]]]]
From September 9 through September 13, 2013, two of the three traffic lanes in [[Fort Lee, New Jersey|Fort Lee]] normally open to access the [[George Washington Bridge]] and New York City were closed on orders from a senior Christie aide and a Christie administration appointee. The lane closures in the morning [[rush hour]] resulted in massive traffic back-ups on the [[George Washington Bridge Plaza|local streets]] for five days.<ref name="therecord-emails1814">{{cite news|last=Boburg|first=Shawn|title=Christie stuck in a jam over GWB lane closings|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/christie_kelly_bridge_lane_closures_emails.html|newspaper=The Record|date=January 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name="csm-kelly11014">{{cite news|last=Delli Santi|first=Angela|title=Bridget Anne Kelly, fired Christie aide, was on team from the start|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0110/Bridget-Anne-Kelly-fired-Christie-aide-was-on-team-from-the-start|newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor|date=January 10, 2014}}</ref>
One common theory as to why the lanes were closed is that it was political retribution against Democratic Fort Lee Mayor [[Mark Sokolich]] for not supporting Christie in the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2013|2013 gubernatorial election]].<ref name=Zernike>{{cite news|first=Kate|last=Zernike|authorlink=Kate Zernike|title=Christie Faces Scandal on Traffic Jam Aides Ordered|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/nyregion/christie-aide-tied-to-bridge-lane-closings.html|work=The New York Times|date=January 8, 2014|accessdate=January 9, 2014}}</ref><ref name=bridgerealestate>{{cite news|last=Strunsky|first=Steve|title=New subpoenas could go out today in GWB lane closure scandal probe|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/gwb_subpoenas_motives_christie_wisniewski.html|work=The Star-Ledger |location= Newark, NJ |date=January 13, 2014}}</ref> Another possible motive involves a major real estate development project, which was a top priority for Sokolich, that was under way at the Fort Lee bridge access point.<ref name=bridgerealestate /><ref name=competingtheories>{{cite news |last= Dopp |first= Terrence |title= Christie bridge jam inquiry to probe $1 billion projects |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-16/fort-lee-development-will-be-examined-in-lawmakers-bridge-probe.html|work=Bloomberg L.P.|date=January 16, 2014|last2= Voreacos |first2= David |last3= Jones |first3= Tim |lastauthoramp= yes}}</ref>
Several of Christie's appointees and aides resigned, and Christie fired others, as investigations into the closures intensified.<ref name="Updated timeline">{{cite news |last= Baxter |first= Christopher |title= Updated: Timeline of Port Authority's George Washington Bridge controversy |url= http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/timeline_of_the_port_authoritys_george_washington_bridge_lane_closure_controversy.html|work= The Star-Ledger|location= Newark, NJ |date=March 11, 2014|accessdate=January 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name=samsonblasting>{{cite news|last=Strunsky|first=Steve|title=Chris Christie bridge scandal: documents show Port Authority chairman blasting executive director|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/bridge_scandal_documents_port_authority_chairman_blasts_executive_director.html|work=[[The Star-Ledger]] |location= Newark, NJ |date=March 11, 2014}}</ref> In a radio interview on February 3, 2014, Christie indicated that he "unequivocally" had no knowledge of, did not approve, and did not authorize plans to close the toll lanes, and stated that he first found out about the traffic jams from a ''Wall Street Journal'' story after the lanes had been reopened.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Walshe|first1=Shushannah|last2=Margolin|first2=Josh|lastauthoramp=yes|title=Chris Christie Says He 'Unequivocally' Had No Knowledge of Lane Closure|url=http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/02/chris-christie-says-he-unequivocally-had-no-knowledge-of-lane-closure/|publisher=ABC news|accessdate=March 21, 2014|date=February 3, 2014}}</ref> In an interview on ABC, Christie reiterated that he was shocked by the actions of his former aides, stating that "Sometimes, people do inexplicably stupid things."<ref>{{cite news|title=UPDATE 6-NJ governor's internal investigation clears him in 'Bridgegate'|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/usa-politics-christie-idUSL1N0MO12Y20140327|accessdate=March 27, 2014|agency=Reuters|date=March 27, 2014}}</ref>
Other investigations were conducted by the [[United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey]], the [[New Jersey Legislature]], and the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]. On September 18, 2014, [[WNBC]] reported that unnamed federal sources said the US Attorney investigation had found no evidence that Christie had prior knowledge of or directed the closures.<ref name="Otis-2014-09-18">{{cite news|last=Otis|first=Ginger Adams|title=Justice Department finds no evidence NJ Gov. Chris Christie knew of Bridgegate closures in advance: report|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/justice-dept-finds-evidence-gov-christie-knew-bridgegate-advance-article-1.1944980|accessdate=October 23, 2014|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=September 18, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Dienst-2014-09-19">{{cite news|last1=Dienst|first1=Jonathan|last2=Valiquette|first2=Joe|last3=Williams|first3=Pete|title=After 9 Months, Federal Probe of GWB Closure Finds No Link to Christie, Federal Sources Say|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/chris-christie-bridgegate-federal-probe-george-washington-bridge-closures-gwb-275661911.html|accessdate=September 19, 2014|publisher=NBC News (New York)|date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> An interim report by the NJ legislative committee investigating the closures was released in December 2014.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Jersey Select Committee on Investigation Report: Interim Report to the New Jersey Legislature Regarding the September 2013 Closure of George Washington Bridge Access Lanes in Fort Lee, New Jersey | publisher = New Jersey Legislature | url = http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/lsi_report.asp | accessdate = December 8, 2014}}</ref> The committee had been unable to determine if Christie had advance knowledge since it was asked by the US Attorney to postpone interviewing certain key witnesses.<ref>{{cite news | last = Strunsky | first = Steve | title = Christie bridge scandal report cannot determine if governor was involved | work = The Star-Ledger | date = December 4, 2014 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/christie_bridgegate_report_released_george_washington_bridge_new_jersey.html#incart_m-rpt-1 | accessdate = December 5, 2014}}</ref> At a press conference on May 1, 2015, U.S. Attorney [[Paul J. Fishman]] stated that, based upon the evidence that was available, his office would not bring any more charges in the case.<ref>Seidman, Andrew. [http://articles.philly.com/2015-05-19/news/62328652_1_u-s-attorney-chris-christie-paul-fishman "Paul Fishman, U.S. attorney for New Jersey, offers no wider opinion on Bridgegate"], ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (May 19, 2015).</ref> However, in September 2016, federal prosecutors in a trial of two New Jersey government officials over their involvement in "Bridgegate" said that a defendant and a witness boasted about their actions to the governor at the time, confirming what [[Donald Trump]] had said in December 2015 while opposing Christie for the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-37423537 |title=The fall and fall of Chris Christie|website=BBC News|date=September 22, 2016 |accessdate= September 22, 2016}}</ref>
On October 13, 2016, a complaint of [[official misconduct]] that alleges that the governor knew of the closures of access lanes while they were ongoing but failed to act to reopen them was allowed to proceed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/10/christie_official_misconduct_investigation_fraught.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured|title=Bridgegate misconduct complaint against Christie: What happens next?|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/14/nyregion/chris-christie-summons-bridgegate-case.html|title=Misconduct Complaint Against Christie Has Merit, Judge Finds|first=Eli|last=Rosenberg|date=October 13, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> In response to the complaint filed by a local citizen, [[Bergen County, New Jersey|Bergen County]] Municipal Presiding Judge Roy McGeady said "I'm satisfied that there's [[probable cause]] to believe that an event of official misconduct was caused by Governor Christie. I'm going to issue the summons."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2016/10/judge_rules_christie_could_be_charged_with_officia.html#incart_river_index|title=Bridgegate misconduct complaint against Christie can move forward|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> In January 2017, Bergen County prosecutors said they would not seek criminal charges against Christie in connection with the scandal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prosecutors will not pursue Bridgegate charges against New Jersey governor|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-jersey-bridgegate-idUSKBN15B2J7|accessdate=January 28, 2017|agency=Reuters|date=January 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Woolsey|first1=Anne|last2=Almasy|first2=Steve|title=Chris Christie won't be charged in 'Bridgegate'|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/28/politics/chris-christie-bridgegate/|accessdate=January 28, 2017|work=CNN}}</ref>
On November 4, 2016, a federal jury convicted former top Christie aides [[Bill Baroni]] and [[Bridget Anne Kelly]] of all charges.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-jersey-bridgegate-idUSKBN12Z216|accessdate=November 4, 2016|date=November 4, 2016|agency=[[Reuters]]|title=Former Christie allies convicted in N.J. 'Bridgegate' trial|author=Joseph Ax}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/04/politics/bridgegate-case-verdict-reached/|publisher=CNN|date=November 4, 2016|accessdate=November 4, 2016|title=Bridgegate case verdict: Former officials guilty on all counts|author1=Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley|author2=Tom Kludt}}</ref> In March 2017, Baroni was sentenced to two years in prison and Kelly to 18 months in prison. Both were also required to perform 500 hours of community service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Ex-Christie-aides-to-be-sentenced-in-New-Jersey-11035021.php |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-03-29 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329212808/http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Ex-Christie-aides-to-be-sentenced-in-New-Jersey-11035021.php |archivedate=March 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
===Lowest approval ratings===
In April 2016, a [[Eagleton Institute of Politics|Rutgers-Eagleton]] survey found the governor's approval rating had dropped to 26 percent. A similar result was again found by the Institute in September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/christies_approval_rating_at_all-time_low_as_bridg.html#incart_most-comments|title=Christie's approval rating at all-time low as Bridgegate trial begins|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref>
In May 2016, the [[Quinnipiac University Polling Institute]] found 64% of voters disapprove of the job Christie is doing, compared to 29% percent who approve.<ref>{{cite news| last = Arco | first = Matt | title = N.J. voters sour on Christie, another poll shows | website = The Star-Ledger | date = May 18, 2016 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/nj_sours_on_christie_another_poll_shows.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured | accessdate = May 18, 2016}}</ref>
In June 2016, a [[Monmouth University Polling Institute]] survey found that just 27 percent of New Jersey adults approve of Christie's job performance, with 63 percent disapproving. The poll found that 79 percent of New Jersey adults say that Christie was more concerned with his political future than with governing the state.<ref>{{cite news| last = Hanna| first = Maddie | title = Christie's approval rating hits record low in another poll| publisher = Philadelphia Media Network (Digital), LLC| date = June 6, 2016 | url = http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/christie_chronicles/Christies-approval-rating-hits-record-low-in-another-poll.html | accessdate = May 18, 2016}}</ref>
Poll results released on November 7, 2016, by Rutgers-Eagleton stated that 19% of New Jersey voters viewed Christie favorably.<ref>{{cite web | last = Burke | first = Cathy | title = Poll: 19% View Chris Christie Favorably | date = November 7, 2016 | url = http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/chris-christie-new-jersey-bridge-gate-poll/2016/11/07/id/757589/ | accessdate = November 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Beasley | first = Adya | title = See just how low Christie's approval ratings have sunk due to Bridgegate trial | website = The Star-Ledger | date = November 7, 2016 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/see_just_how_low_christies_approval_ratings_have_s.html | accessdate = November 9, 2016}}</ref>
In January 2017, another Quinnipiac poll found a 2% decrease on his approval rating, leading up to 17% with a 78% disapproval rating, making it one of its lowest approval rating for a state governor (both in New Jersey and in the U.S.) in nearly 20 years.<ref>[https://poll.qu.edu/new-jersey/release-detail?ReleaseID=2425 Christie Hits New Low In New Jersey, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Democrat Has 16-Point Lead In Governor's Race] January 31, 2017.</ref>
In April 2017, a poll suggested that Christie is the least popular governor in the United States, with a 71% disapproval rating.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/chris-christie-named-popular-governor-u-s-poll-article-1.3043307|title=Chris Christie named least popular governor in the U.S.: poll|work=NY Daily News|access-date=April 11, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
In June 2017, a Quinnipiac poll of New Jersey voters found that 15% approved of Christie, and 81% disapproved. This was the lowest recorded approval rating of a New Jersey governor in history, and the lowest approval rating found by Quinnipiac for any governor in any state in more than two decades.<ref>Matt Friedman, [http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/06/14/with-15-percent-approval-christie-is-now-new-jerseys-least-popular-governor-ever-112747 Christie is now New Jersey's least popular governor ever, with 15 percent approval], ''Politico'' (June 14, 2017).</ref> Christie said that he did not care about approval ratings because he was not running for office.<ref>Ryan Hutchins, [http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/06/20/christie-on-15-approval-rating-i-dont-care-112922 Christie on 15 percent approval rating: 'I don’t care'], ''Politico'' (June 20, 2017).</ref>
===Open records battles===
During his administration's eight years, the governor's office spent more than $1 million fighting [[Open Public Records Act|New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA)]] requests. On his way out, the governor, in an official letter to the State Archives, dictated how his office's records be handled. This came to light in May 2018, as the State Archives' release of electronic records relating to business by Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, were denied by his personal lawyer; Kushner's real estate company received $33 million in state tax breaks.<ref name="Christie limits State Archives records release">{{cite web |last1=Perez |first1=Andrew |title=Chris Christie blocks release of his office's emails with Jared Kushner's company |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/40577859/chris-christie-blocks-release-of-his-offices-emails-with-jared-kushners-company |website=Fast Company |accessdate=31 May 2018 |date=25 May 2018}}</ref> Open records experts challenged Christie's "disturbing" actions.<ref name="May 2018 The Hill open records blocked">{{cite web |last1=Bowden |first1=John |title=Christie blocks release of correspondence with Kushner Companies |url=http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/389415-christie-lawyer-blocking-release-of-correspondence-with-kushner |website=TheHill |accessdate=31 May 2018 |language=en |date=25 May 2018}}</ref>
== Republican Governors Association ==
[[File:Chris Christie & Doug Ducey by Gage Skidmore.jpg|right|thumb|Governor Chris Christie campaigning with Arizona gubernatorial candidate [[Doug Ducey]] in 2014]]
In November 2013, Christie was elected chairman of the [[Republican Governors Association]], succeeding Louisiana Governor [[Bobby Jindal]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Christie takes reins of Republican Governors Association |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/11/21/christie-takes-reins-of-republican-governors-association/ |accessdate=May 2, 2014 |work=The Washington Post |date=November 21, 2013 |first=Vincent |last=Bzdek}}</ref> Christie campaigned extensively on behalf of Republican governors running for re-election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Could strong fundraising be Chris Christie's road to redemption? |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/could-strong-fundraising-be-chris-christies-road-to-redemption/ |accessdate=May 2, 2014 |publisher=CBS News |date=April 30, 2014}}</ref> In the first three months of 2014, the RGA raised a record sum for the first quarter of a mid-term election year, almost doubled the amount raised by the [[Democratic Governors Association]] during the same period.<ref>{{cite news|last=Conroy|first=Scott|title=Could strong fundraising be Chris Christie's road to redemption?|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/could-strong-fundraising-be-chris-christies-road-to-redemption/|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=May 6, 2014|date=April 30, 2014}}</ref>
Christie presided over net gains in Republican governorships in the 2014 elections, including for Republican gubernatorial candidates in three largely Democratic states: [[Bruce Rauner]] in Illinois, [[Larry Hogan]] in Maryland and [[Charlie Baker]] in Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/chris-christie-2014-election-results-112580|title=Elections 2014: Chris Christie takes a victory lap |work=POLITICO}}</ref>
== Presidential politics ==
[[File:Chris Christie by Gage Skidmore 6.jpg|left|thumb|Chris Christie speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference]]
Christie was considered a leading figure in the Republican Party.<ref>Haberman, Maggie. [http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/chris-christie-2016-new-jersey-governor-99434.html "Chris Christie's next big move toward 2016"], Politico (November 6, 2013).</ref><ref>Steinhauser, Paul. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/politics/christie-next/ "Where Does Christie Go Next?"], CNN (November 7, 2013)</ref> He was the subject of ongoing speculation that he would attempt a run for [[President of the United States]] in [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012]] by competing in the [[Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012|Republican primaries]]. Through 2013 he denied any interest in launching a presidential bid. In September 2011, a number of press stories cited unnamed sources indicating Christie was reconsidering his decision to stay out of the race. An Associated Press story dated September 30 indicated a decision on whether he would run for president in 2012 would be made "soon".<ref>{{Cite news |title=AP Sources: Christie Soon to Decide on Primary Run |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/apnewsbreak-christie-decide-2012-bid-14643134 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160208055545/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Election |dead-url=yes |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |date=September 30, 2011 |first=Beth |last=DeFalco |publisher=[[ABC News]] |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=October 1, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In a late September speech at the [[Reagan Library]], he had again said he was not a candidate for president, but the speech also coincided with his "reconsideration" of the negative decision. The [[Koch brothers]] ([[David H. Koch]] and [[Charles G. Koch]]), [[Kenneth Langone]], and retired [[General Electric]] CEO [[Jack Welch]] expressed support for a potential Christie candidacy.<ref name=MW01>Delamaide, Darrell (September 28, 2011), [http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-billionaires-choice-christie-for-president-2011-09-28 "The billionaire's choice: Christie for president"], [[MarketWatch]]. Retrieved September 28, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11921 "Update on the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003055830/http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11921 |date=October 3, 2011 }}. ''Charlie Rose''. September 29, 2011. Interview with Republican consultant [[Matthew Dowd]], Welch, and reporter Nia-Malika Henderson. Retrieved October 4, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11923 "Kenneth Langone"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006183340/http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11923 |date=October 6, 2011 }}, ''Charlie Rose'', October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2011.</ref>
=== Decision not to run in 2012 ===
In October 2011, Christie said that he had in fact reconsidered his decision but had again decided not to run for president,<ref>{{Cite news|title= Christie will not run for President|url=http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2011/10/04/8145647-christie-will-not-run-for-president|first=Michael|last=O'Brien|date=October 4, 2011|accessdate=October 4, 2011|publisher=MSNBC}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Chris-Christie-Not-Running-President-Decision-Announcement-Timeline-131057388.html "A Timeline of Christie and the 2012 Decision"], New York: WNBC. October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.</ref> stating at a press conference: "New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me."<ref>Memmott, Mark, [https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/10/04/141045337/will-christie-be-shermanesque "N.J. Gov. Christie Says No To Run For GOP Presidential Nomination"]. NPR. October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.</ref> Christie endorsed [[Mitt Romney]] for president a few days later.<ref name=foxendorse>{{cite news|title=Christie Endorses Romney Ahead of GOP Debate|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/11/christie-to-endorse-romney-for-president|accessdate=October 14, 2011|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=October 11, 2011}}</ref>
The ''[[New York Post]]'' has cited anonymous sources as saying Christie was not willing to give up the governorship to be Romney's running mate because he had doubts about their ability to win. The Romney campaign was reported to have asked him to resign his governorship if he became the vice-presidential nominee because "[[pay to play]]" laws restrict campaign contributions from financial corporation executives to governors running for federal office when the companies do business with the governor's state.<ref>{{cite news|last=Margolin|last2=DeFalco|first=Josh|first2=Beth|title=Christie chose NJ over Mitt's VP role due to fears that they'd lose|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/christie_had_veeping_doubts_b1gkN5io8CtDgcuiuEgMqL|accessdate=August 27, 2012|newspaper=New York Post|date=August 27, 2012}}</ref> A memo from the campaign attributed Romney's decision not to choose Christie as his running mate, in part, to unanswered questions during the [[vetting]] process regarding a defamation lawsuit following Christie's initial campaign for Morris County Freeholder, a [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] investigation of Christie's brother, as well as his weight.<ref name=wapo>{{cite news|first1=Sean |last1=Sullivan |first2=Philip |last2=Rucker |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-advisers-considered-replacing-biden-with-clinton-according-to-book/2013/10/31/2f8bbf10-4285-11e3-8b74-d89d714ca4dd_story.html |title=Obama's advisers considered replacing Biden with Clinton, according to book |work=The Washington Post |date=October 31, 2013 |accessdate=November 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Friedman | first = Matt | title = Book: Romney didn't pick Christie for veep partly due to background 'land mines' | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = October 31, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/10/book_says_romney_did_not_pick_christie_partly_because_of_unanswered_questions.html | accessdate = May 2, 2014}}</ref>
=== Activities related to 2012 presidential election ===
[[File:President Barack Obama Tours Storm Damage in New Jersey 7.jpg|right|thumb|President [[Barack Obama]] and Governor Chris Christie talk with local residents in [[Brigantine, New Jersey]]]]
Christie gave the keynote address at the [[2012 Republican National Convention|Republican National Convention in August 2012]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|title=Christie to Be G.O.P. Convention Keynote Speaker|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/14/christie-to-be-g-o-p-convention-keynote-speaker|accessdate=August 14, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 14, 2012}}</ref> On October 30, 2012, during a [[press conference]] to discuss the impact of [[Hurricane Sandy]], Christie praised the disaster relief efforts of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]].<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2012/10/31/christie-obama-hurricane-sandy-new-jersey/1671787/ ''Obama, Christie laud 'working relationship' on storm''] by David Jackson (''[[USA Today]]'', October 31, 2012).</ref><ref>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/01/the-race-resumes-obama-buoyed-by-christie-praise-as-romney-tempers-attacks/ ''The race resumes: Obama buoyed by Christie praise as Romney tempers attacks''] (''[[National Post]]'', November 1, 2012).</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/gov-chris-christie-an-obama-critic-praises-the-president-amid-nj-storm-damage/2012/10/31/5cda4454-2397-11e2-ac85-e669876c6a24_story.html|title=Gov. Chris Christie, an Obama critic, praises the president amid N.J. storm damage|work =[[The Washington Post]]|date=October 31, 2012|accessdate=November 1, 2012|first=Jason|last=Horowitz}}</ref>
Christie stated he still supported [[Mitt Romney]] and was opposed to many of Obama's policies, but thought Obama deserved credit for his help in the disaster reliefs in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/11/06/chris-christie-i-didnt-snub-mitt-romney|title=Chris Christie: I didn't snub Mitt Romney|work=[[The Washington Post]]|date=November 6, 2012|accessdate=December 1, 2012|first=Rachel|last=Weiner}}</ref> Christie had campaigned with Romney for much of the election, but stated Romney did not ask him to join him in campaigns for the last week before the election, to allow Christie to focus on disaster relief.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jamie Weinstein|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/11/06/chris-christie-not-even-my-egos-that-big-to-believe-absence-from-pa-rally-will-effect-election/ |title=Chris Christie: 'Not even my ego's that big' to believe absence from PA rally will affect election|work=The Daily Caller|date=November 6, 2012|accessdate=December 1, 2012}}</ref> Christie faced significant backlash before and after the election from conservative Republicans who accused him of acting to bolster his own personal political standing at the expense of Romney and the party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/11/the-chris-christie-backlash-machine-revs-into-high-gear/264910|title=The Chris Christie Backlash Machine Revs Into High Gear|work=The Atlantic|accessdate=March 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Brett LoGiurato|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/chris-christie-obama-sandy-new-jersey-damage-conservatives-drudge-2012-10|title=Chris Christie, Obama Sandy Tour Causes Conservative Backlash|publisher=Business Insider |date=October 31, 2012|accessdate=March 3, 2013}}</ref>
=== Health and weight ===
Political commentators debated whether Christie's weight would or should affect his viability as a 2012 presidential candidate, either for medical or social reasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/02/us-usa-campaign-christie-obesity-idUSTRE7911YH20111002|title=Obesity debate rages on talk of Christie White House bid|agency=Reuters|date=October 2, 2011}}</ref> In 2011, columnist [[Eugene Robinson (journalist)|Eugene Robinson]] applied the term "extremely [[obese]]" to Christie, citing medical guidelines established by the [[National Institutes of Health]]. Christie himself was reportedly concerned about his weight and its implications for his health, describing himself as relatively healthy overall.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/chris-christies-big-problem/2011/09/29/gIQAAL7J8K_story.html|title=Chris Christie's big problem|work=[[The Washington Post]]|date=September 29, 2011|first=Eugene|last=Robinson}}</ref>
[[The Obesity Society]], a nonprofit scientific group, released a statement asserting, "To suggest that Governor Christie's body weight discounts and discredits his ability to be an effective political candidate is inappropriate, unjust, and wrong."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/03/news/la-heb-christie-obesity-society-statement-20111003|title=The Obesity Society defends Chris Christie|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 3, 2011|first=Jeannine|last=Stein}}</ref> Christie underwent [[lap-band]] stomach surgery in February 2013 and disclosed the surgery to the ''New York Post'' in May of that year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christie reveals secret stomach surgery to lose weight|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/chris_cuts_waist_oAUDrJ8Sm1fY6awWgFY6nN|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130602190309/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/chris_cuts_waist_oAUDrJ8Sm1fY6awWgFY6nN|dead-url=yes|archive-date=June 2, 2013|first=Tara|last=Palmeri|first2=Beth|last2=DeFalco|work=New York Post|date=May 7, 2013|accessdate=May 7, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
=== National role after 2012 ===
[[File:Chris Christie by Gage Skidmore (1) (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|Governor Chris Christie speaking at the 2014 [[Conservative Political Action Conference]] (CPAC) in [[National Harbor, Maryland]]]]
In the aftermath of the election, Christie maintained his national profile and continued to clash with conservatives in his party by strongly criticizing House Speaker [[John Boehner]] regarding aid for [[Hurricane Sandy]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-01-02/politics/36211763_1_cliff-vote-toxic-internal-politics-boehner-four-times|title=Christie, Republicans slam Boehner for delay on Hurricane Sandy relief measure|work=The Washington Post|date=January 2, 2013|accessdate =January 23, 2013|first=Nia-Malika|last=Henderson}}</ref> and then the [[National Rifle Association]] for their ad that mentioned President Obama's children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/18/nation/la-na-nn-chris-christie-lashes-out-nra-ad-20130118|title=Chris Christie rips NRA's anti-Obama ad; Rand Paul rips Christie|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 18, 2013|accessdate=January 23, 2013|first=Michael|last=Muskal}}</ref> Christie was subsequently not invited to speak at the 2013 [[Conservative Political Action Conference]] (CPAC), which is largely seen as a stepping-stone for Republicans running for president. The CPAC chair explained that Christie was not invited "for decisions that he made", but that "hopefully next year he's back on the right track and being a conservative."<ref>{{cite news|first=Aliyah|last=Frumin|url=http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/03/14/cpac-chair-chris-christie-didnt-deserve-to-be-here|title=CPAC Chair: Chris Christie 'didn't deserve' to be here|publisher=MSNBC|date=March 14, 2013|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}</ref><!-- WP:RS needed; removed link to WP:SPS (Twitter, FB, WP)-->
=== 2016 presidential campaign ===
{{Main|Chris Christie 2016 presidential campaign}}
In January 2015, Christie took his first formal step towards a presidential candidacy by forming a [[political action committee]] (PAC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/jerseys-christie-launches-political-action-committee-054618123--election.html|title=New Jersey's Christie launches political action committee|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=January 25, 2015|accessdate=January 25, 2015|author=Colvin, Jill}}</ref> in order to raise funds and prepare for a likely 2016 presidential bid.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://time.com/3682018/chris-christie-2016-presidential-election-white-house-republican-pac/ | title=Chris Christie Launches PAC in Preparation for 2016 Presidential Run | work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=January 26, 2015 | accessdate=January 26, 2015 | author=Miller, Zeke J.}}</ref> On June 27, 2015, Christie launched his presidential campaign website. He formally announced his candidacy on June 30, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/2016-elections/chris-christie-launches-campaign-site-three-days-before-his-announcement-20150627|title=Chris Christie Launches Campaign Website Three Days Before His Announcement|publisher=nationaljournal.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chrischristie.com|title=Chris Christie for President|author=Chris Christie|publisher=chrischristie.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Desiderio|first1=Adam|title=Chris Christie Announces 2016 Presidential Campaign|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/chris-christie-announces-2016-presidential-campaign/story?id=32125633|accessdate=June 30, 2015|publisher=ABC News|date=June 30, 2015}}</ref><ref name="cnn._Chri">{{Cite news | title = Chris Christie launches 2016 presidential bid from New Jersey | last = Moody | first = Chris | publisher = CNN | date = June 30, 2015 | accessdate = June 30, 2015 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/30/politics/chris-christie-2016-presidential-campaign/index.html}}</ref>
Christie dropped out of the race on February 10, 2016, after the [[New Hampshire Republican primary, 2016|New Hampshire primary]] following a poor showing and low poll numbers. He received 7.4% of the overall vote in the New Hampshire primary.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.npr.org/sections/they%20would-way/2016/02/10/466207006/chris-Christies-drops-out-of-republican-race-for-president|title=Chris Christie drops out of Republican race for President | publisher=NPR| date=February 10, 2016 | accessdate=February 10, 2016}}</ref>
===Trump campaign, transition, administration roles===
[[File:Christie 2016 RNC (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Christie speaking at the [[2016 Republican National Convention]]]]
Despite having criticized [[Donald Trump]] prior to leaving the race,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/christie-past-comments-trump|title=What Chris Christie Said About Donald Trump BEFORE The Endorsement|last=Macneal|first=Caitlin|website=Talking Points Memo|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> he endorsed Trump on February 26, 2016.<ref name="NYT_Trump">{{Cite web| url = https://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/02/26/chris-christie-endorses-donald-trump/?
| title = Chris Christie Endorses Donald Trump| last = Haberman| first = Maggie| date =February 26, 2016| website =The New York Times| access-date =February 26, 2016}}</ref> On May 9, 2016, Trump named Christie to head up [[Planned presidential transition of Donald Trump|a transition team in the event of a Trump presidency]].<ref name="BermanTransition">{{cite news|last1=Berman|first1=Russell|title=Chris Christie Will Start Planning the Trump Administration|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/05/chris-christie-will-start-planning-the-trump-administration/481896/|accessdate=May 9, 2016|publisher=''[[The Atlantic]]''|date=May 9, 2016}}</ref> He soon emerged as a major power with the Trump campaign.<ref name="BurnsPowerful">{{cite news|last1=Burns|first1=Alexander|title=Chris Christie Becomes Powerful Figure in Donald Trump Campaign|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/us/politics/chris-christie-donald-trump.html|accessdate=July 3, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 30, 2016}}</ref>
Trump considered Christie as a [[Republican Party vice presidential candidate selection, 2016|potential vice-presidential running mate]], and was on the shortlist alongside former [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] [[Newt Gingrich]] and [[Governor of Indiana|Indiana Governor]] [[Mike Pence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/13/donald-trump-vp-list-names/|title=Donald Trump's Vice President List Is Down to 3 Names|first=The Associated|last=Press|website=Fortune|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref><ref name=VP>{{cite web|last=O'Donnell|first=Kelly|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/team-trump-plans-public-event-friday-vp-pick-n608161|title=Team Trump Plans Public Event Friday With VP Pick|work=[[NBC News]]|date=July 12, 2016|accessdate=July 12, 2016}}</ref> Trump passed over Christie and selected Pence.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Burns|first1=Alexander|last2=Haberman|first2=Maggie|last3=Kaplan|first3=Thomas|title=Donald Trump Selects Mike Pence, Indiana Governor, as Running Mate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/16/us/politics/mike-pence-donald-trump-vice-president.html|accessdate=July 15, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=July 15, 2016}}</ref>
In September 2016, Christie acknowledged that the [[Fort Lee lane closure scandal]], also known as Bridgegate, was a factor in his being denied the nomination. Trump had said earlier that Christie knew about the closures, which Christie denies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/christie_says_hes_sure_bridgegate_partly_why_trump.html#incart_most-read_politics_article|title=Christie: Bridgegate's 'a factor' why I'm not Trump's VP|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/trump_sticks_by_christie_amid_new_bridgegate_claim.html#incart_river_home|title=Trump sticks by Christie amid new Bridgegate claim, report says|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> Following the release of [[Donald Trump and Billy Bush recording controversy|Trump's tape-recorded comments on an ''Access Hollywood'' bus]], Christie called Trump's comments "completely indefensible", but also added "I don't think it's the only way you should make a judgment."<ref>{{cite web|last=Marans|first=Daniel|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chris-christie-leaked-trump-comments-not-immaterial_us_57fce510e4b068ecb5e1a175|title=Chris Christie: Leaked Trump Comments Not 'Immaterial' In Deciding Whether To Vote For Him|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=October 11, 2016|accessdate=October 18, 2016}}</ref>
After calls for his [[impeachment]] as Governor and [[felony|felony convictions in U.S. federal court]] of high-ranking members of his staff in the [[Bridgegate scandal]], Christie was dropped by Trump as leader of the transition team, in favor of Pence.<ref name=christiedropped>{{citation|accessdate=November 12, 2016|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/11/chris-christie-dropped-trump-transition-team|date=November 11, 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Chris Christie dropped as head of Trump's White House transition team|author=David Smith}}</ref><ref name=pencetotakeover>{{citation|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/us/politics/trump-cabinet.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 11, 2016|accessdate=November 12, 2016|title=Vice President-Elect Pence to Take Over Trump Transition Effort|author1=Michael D. Shear |author2=Michael S. Schmidt |author3=Maggie Habermann}}</ref> On the same day, Christie's close associates [[Richard Bagger]] and [[Bill Palatucci]] were both removed by Trump from the transition team.<ref name=christiedropped /><ref name=pencetotakeover /><ref name=pencereplaceschristie>{{citation|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/11/11/pence-to-lead-trump-transition-effort/|accessdate=November 12, 2016|date=November 11, 2016|work=[[The Washington Post]]|title=Pence replaces Christie as leader of Trump transition effort|author1=Robert Costa |author2=Philip Rucker |author3=Elise Viebeck}}</ref> Former Congressman [[Mike Rogers (Michigan politician)|Mike Rogers]], a national security expert on the Trump transition team, was additionally another close associate of Chris Christie who was also removed a few days after Christie's departure.<ref name=mikerogersleaves /><ref name=trumpshakeup>{{citation|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-transition-shake-part-stalinesque-purge-christie-loyalists-n684081|title=Trump Transition Shake-Up Part of 'Stalinesque Purge' of Christie Loyalists|work=[[NBC News]]|accessdate=November 15, 2016|date=November 15, 2016|author1=Ken Dilanian |author2=Alexandra Jaffe}}</ref><ref>{{citation|accessdate=November 15, 2016|URL=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-11-15/ex-intelligence-chairman-rogers-said-to-leave-trump-transition|work=[[Bloomberg Politics]]|title=Ex-Intelligence Chairman Rogers Leaves Trump Transition Team|author=Jennifer Jacobs|date=November 15, 2016}}</ref>
Christie was being considered for a role in the Trump administration,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/breaking_christie_in_strong_contention_for_both_se.html#incart_most-read_|title=Christie in contention for energy, homeland security secretary posts, source says|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> but said he would serve out his term as governor, which ended in January 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/christie_on_possible_trump_job_i_am_completing_my.html#incart_most-read_politics_article|title=Christie on possible Trump job: 'I'm completing my term'|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> On December 11, it was reported that Christie turned down offers to become [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary of Homeland Security]] and [[United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs|Secretary of Veterans Affairs]], because he wanted to be [[United States Attorney General|Attorney General]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/12/christie_turned_down_job_in_trump_white_house_repo.html#incart_river_index|title=Christie turned down several jobs in Trump administration, sources say|publisher=|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref> In February 2017, it was reported that Christie turned down an offer to act as Secretary of Labor, saying he would finish his term as governor after which he would move to the private sector.
As of November 2018, it was reported that Christie was being considered for the role of [[United States Attorney General|Attorney General]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/08/politics/chris-christie-pam-bondi-trump-attorney-general/index.html|title=Trump considering Christie, Bondi, Acosta for attorney general|last=CNN|first=Jeremy Diamond, Sarah Westwood and Jim Acosta,|work=CNN|access-date=2018-11-09}}</ref> by the [[Trump Administration]]. After meeting with Trump into December 2018, Christie said he did not want to be considered for the job of Chief-of-Staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/12/christie-tells-trump-he-doesnt-want-chief-of-staff-job.html|title=Christie tells Trump he doesn’t want chief of staff job|first1=Matt Arco | NJ Advance Media for|last1=NJ.com|first2=Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for NJ com NJ Advance Media for|last2=NJ.com|first3=Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for|last3=NJ.com|website=nj.com|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/expo/news/erry-2018/12/503a7e33e68771/5-reasons-why-trump-wanted-chr.html|title=5 reasons why Trump wanted Christie to be chief of staff, and 5 reasons why Christie was wise to say no|first1=Matt|last1=Arco|first2=Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ com | Posted|last2=December 15|first3=2018 at 07:55 AM | Updated|last3=December 15|first4=2018 at 12:21|last4=PM|website=NJ.com|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
== Opioid epidemic efforts ==
In March 2017, Trump picked Christie to chair the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Opioid Crisis, an advisory committee on the [[opioid epidemic]].<ref>Jen Christensen, [http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/29/health/christie-opioid-trump-appointment/index.html Christie will advise Trump panel on opioid addiction], CNN (March 29, 2017).</ref><ref>Katelyn Newman, [https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-06-16/commission-on-combating-drug-addiction-and-opioid-crisis-holds-first-meeting Opioid Commission Holds First Meeting], ''U.S. News & World Report'' (June 16, 2017).</ref>
Christie said that New Jersey would be spending $500 million on the epidemic, and in his last few months as Governor promoted the Reach NJ Campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/kellyanne-conway-chosen-to-lead-trumps-opioid-efforts|title=Kellyanne Conway chosen to lead Trump's opioid efforts|date=November 30, 2017|website=Washington Examiner|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
==ABC News==
In January 2018, Christie joined [[ABC News]] as a regular network contributor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/29/chris-christie-abc-news-375289|title=Source: Chris Christie to join ABC News as contributor |publisher=Politico|accessdate=January 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment|title=Entertainment Index|first=A. B. C.|last=News|website=ABC News|accessdate=December 21, 2018}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Beachgate]]
* [[Electoral history of Chris Christie]]
== References ==
{{Ibid|date=March 2018}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
== Further reading ==
* Ingle, Bob and Symons, Michael. ''[[Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power]]''. Macmillan, 2012. {{ISBN|1-250-00586-8}}.
* [[Louis Manzo|Manzo, Louis Michael]]. ''Ruthless Ambition: The Rise and Fall of Chris Christie''. Trine Day, 2014. {{ISBN|1-937584-89-5}}.
* [[Matt Katz (journalist)|Matt Katz]]. ''[[American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption]]''.
* {{cite speech |title=Real American Exceptionalism |author=Chris Christie |date=September 27, 2011 |location=Simi Valley, California |url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/278529/chris-christie-speech-reagan-library-full-text-nro-staff}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://www.chrischristie.com/ Official 2016 Presidential Campaign website] (last updated February 11, 2016)
* {{Dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/New_Jersey/Government/Executive_Branch/Former_Governors/Chris_Christie }}
* {{C-SPAN|christopherchristie}}
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