Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is seriously considering running for president in 2024, three people familiar with his thinking told Axios.
Leading the news: While Christie says nothing publicly about his thinking, other than telling radio presenter Hugh Hewitt that he doesn’t rule it out, people nearby have an early idea of the reasons and outlines of a potential candidacy.
The big picture: In the absence of another race from former President Trump, the field would be wide open.
- Christie, whose 2016 nomination for the nomination was short-lived, has told friends he would be the only person in the 2024 field with executive experience who has run a presidential career before.
- This is a clear shot against a potential rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is enjoying an increase in popularity by Republican voters for his handling of COVID-19 and his fight with the media, but that he has not yet withstood the scrutiny of a presidential candidacy.
- Christie could have a reputation for harshness that appeals to Trump’s base minus the former president’s recklessness, a source said. Another said he has a mix of combativeness and charisma that Republicans seek to take on President Biden and Democrats.
- It has a potential appeal for suburban and blue-collar right-wing voters.
- And his experience as a former federal prosecutor could help him stand out in the debates and prepare for a primary competition in which there may be a lower premium in advertising than in 2016.
Between lines: Christie has a steep hill to climb if she decides to run. In 2016, his candidacy garnered a parody of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, as well as the unexpected political phenomenon, once in a generation, that was Trump.
- Now that Christie has no elected office, her statements do not carry the news of an incumbent governor or a senator.
- But since her position as an ABC collaborator, Christie has been making statements designed to get headlines and position herself as one of the top Republican attack dogs against President Biden. In a recent appearance on “This Week,” Christie accused Biden of “lying” in his descriptions of infrastructure.
The summary: Christie has told associates that Trump’s decision to run again in 2024 will not affect his own decision-making.