Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is taking a stand against demands for his withdrawal from the 2024 Republican presidential primary. He is launching a new seven-figure ad campaign in New Hampshire this Thursday, as revealed in an exclusive report to CNN.
“Some people say I should drop out of this race. Really? I’m the only one saying Donald Trump is a liar,” Christie asserts in a direct-to-camera ad set to air on broadcast and digital platforms.
This ad campaign signifies a strategic move by Christie’s team to bolster resources devoted to their New Hampshire-focused strategy ahead of the January 23 primary. Christie’s campaign has so far maintained a low cash burn rate, primarily relying on media interviews and ads funded by a super PAC supporting him.
In the 30-second ad, Christie hints at his former ally’s vindictive Christmas message and involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. He warns New Hampshire voters, “He’ll burn America to the ground to help himself. Every Republican leader says that in private. I’m the only one saying it in public.”
Christie has honed his response to voters questioning his continued participation in the race, arguing that he is the only candidate directly challenging the GOP front-runner. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll found that 10% of likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire favor Christie, trailing behind Trump at 44% and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at 29%. However, he is roughly on par with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 11%.
With Haley gaining momentum and donor support, Christie is under pressure to exit the race to reduce the number of Trump alternative candidates. Yet, Christie emphasized last week that his withdrawal would not necessarily result in his supporters backing Trump’s former ambassador to the United Nations.
At a house party in Portsmouth last week, he told a voter that he “might” consider supporting Haley if she demonstrated that she was genuinely running against Donald Trump. However, Christie argued that Haley has not clarified whether she would accept a vice presidential role from Trump, a position he and DeSantis have both rejected.
Christie’s campaign is also investing in a second ad in New Hampshire, titled “The Choice,” set to launch on Friday. This ad outlines Christie’s vision for America and calls for unity.
This story has been updated with additional context.