Former New Jersey governor, Chris Christie has formally launched his 2024 US presidential campaign, joining a growing Republican field led by former president, Donald Trump.
Mr Christie, who served as an adviser to Mr Trump’s successful 2016 campaign but has since been a vocal critic over his false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, filed paperwork declaring his candidacy on Tuesday.
He is scheduled to announce his White House bid at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, later in the day.
A former federal prosecutor, Mr Christie, 60, has argued he is the only potential rival with the skills and willingness to attack Mr Trump directly.
Mr Christie has not fared well in public opinion polling thus far, however. He netted just 1% support from potential Republican primary voters in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, compared to Mr Trump’s 49% support and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s 19% support.
Other Republicans seeking to challenge President Joe Biden include former UN ambassador, Nikki Haley and US senator, Tim Scott. Former vice-president, Mike Pence is set to enter the race on Wednesday.
Mr Christie ran for president in 2016 but ended his bid after a disappointing finish in the New Hampshire primary and became the first major party figure to throw his support behind Mr Trump.
He has since urged Republicans to disavow Mr Trump’s assertions about the 2020 election and told reporters he would not vote for Mr Trump in 2024, even if Mr Trump won the nomination.
That strategy, according to a recent ABC report, may entice Republican voters who are ready to move past Mr Trump, but it remains unclear whether any Republican can prevail without the support of the former Republican President’s still-loyal base.
