Chris Christie Drops Out of Republican Race, Vows to Prevent Trump’s Comeback

“I want to promise you this: I am going to make sure that in no way do I enable Donald Trump to ever be president of the United States again — and that’s more important than my own personal ambition.” (Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie)

On the 10th (local time), former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who ran for the Republican presidential primaries, made this announcement at a town hall event in New Hampshire, giving up his presidential candidacy. With the first primary just ten days away, the withdrawal of Christie, who is seen as a Trump critic, draws attention to what impact it will have on the Republican primaries.

Christie acknowledged the improbability of his election as the Republican presidential candidate, leading him to voluntarily opt out of the presidential race rather than persist in his campaign. The sudden decision to withdraw was mainly because the poll results from New Hampshire were lower than expected. Nikki Haley’s increased presence as Trump’s competitor led him to believe he could not win.

During the 2016 election, Christie, once a close aide to Trump, transformed into an anti-Trump by the 2020 election. He actively stressed the legal risks associated with Trump, who faced four criminal charges. Christie emphasized that if Trump, with his legal entanglements, were to become the Republican presidential nominee, it would almost certainly lead to a reelection victory for President Joe Biden.

Although he was known as a Trump critic, he struggled with support rates. Nikki Haley gained moderate support as a counterweight to former President Trump, further narrowing Christie’s position.

However, within the Republican Party, there was considerable pressure for Christie not to withdraw to maintain a voice of restraint against Trump.

By. Hye Jin Jeong