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Chris Christie

Chris Christie is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as the 55th governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chris Christie is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as the 55th governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. He also served as U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008 and was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and 2024.

Early life and education

Christie was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Livingston, New Jersey. He attended the University of Delaware before receiving a J.D. from Seton Hall University in 1987.

Political career

Christie served as U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008. He was elected governor of New Jersey in 2009 and served two terms from January 19, 2010, to January 16, 2018, winning re-election in 2013.

Presidential campaigns

Christie sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and again in 2024, but did not win the nomination in either race.

Post-governorship work

After leaving office, Christie worked as a political and legal commentator for ABC News and as a lawyer. He has remained active in Republican politics, including book publishing and public appearances.

Key facts

  • Chris Christie served as the 55th governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018.
  • He was U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008.
  • Christie ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and 2024.
  • He was born in Newark, New Jersey, and earned a law degree from Seton Hall University.
  • After his governorship, he worked in law and media commentary.
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Canadian context

Christie has relevance to Canadian readers mainly through U.S. politics, North American party alignment, and cross-border economic and media attention to New Jersey and presidential elections.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chris Christie?
Chris Christie is an American lawyer and Republican politician best known for serving as governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018.
What offices did Chris Christie hold?
He served as U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey and later as governor of New Jersey.
When was Chris Christie governor of New Jersey?
He was governor from January 19, 2010, to January 16, 2018.
Did Chris Christie run for president?
Yes. He ran for the Republican nomination in 2016 and again in 2024.
Where was Chris Christie born?
He was born in Newark, New Jersey, on September 6, 1962.
What is Chris Christie known for politically?
He is known as a moderate Republican figure who gained national prominence during and after his governorship.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Christie
    Supports: Birth details, governorship, Republican identity, and presidential runs in 2016 and 2024.
  2. Seton Hall Law School — https://law.shu.edu/documents/speaker-bio-chris-christie.pdf
    Supports: Education, governorship dates, and post-office legal/media roles.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Christie
    Supports: Full name, gubernatorial term, U.S. attorney role, and Republican presidential candidacies.
  4. Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs — https://jackson.yale.edu/person/chris-christie/
    Supports: Governorship, U.S. attorney service, presidential runs, books, and current roles.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/chris-christie-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name and birthplace.
  6. ABC News — https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/chris-christie-running-president/story?id=103202786
    Supports: Education, marriage and family, U.S. attorney role, governorship, and 2024 candidacy.