Chris Christie, the former Republican presidential candidate and New Jersey governor, announced on Wednesday that he will not be pursuing a third-party candidacy. Despite receiving encouragement to run, Christie has decided against it, expressing concerns about inadvertently aiding a potential Donald Trump re-election.
“I appreciate the encouragement I’ve gotten to pursue a third-party candidacy. I believe we need a country that once again feels like everyone has a stake in what we’re doing and leadership that strives to bring people together, instead of using anger to divide us,” Christie said in his statement.
He further emphasized the need for a conversation with the American people, but also noted the importance of a clear path to victory. He stated that if his candidacy could in any way help Donald Trump return to the presidency, it would not be the right course of action.
A representative for Christie confirmed his decision not to run with No Labels, a group currently working on launching a moderate third-party ticket. This comes after CNN reported earlier this month that No Labels officials had been in talks with Christie’s advisers.
However, the group’s plans have been met with skepticism from several potential candidates and members who have been approached by No Labels. The group has consistently stated that they do not wish to play a spoiler role that could potentially aid a Trump second term. They have also been urging potential candidates to challenge President Joe Biden on controversial positions that he does not actually hold.
Despite reaching out to other potential candidates, top prospects such as West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan have distanced themselves from No Labels’ efforts.
Christie, who also ran for president in 2016, ended his recent presidential campaign in January, just weeks before the New Hampshire primary. He had launched his campaign last June, positioning himself as an alternative to then front-runner Donald Trump, and targeting more traditionally conservative, establishment-friendly Republicans.
In his first interview after ending his candidacy, Christie told ABC, “I don’t know what I’m going to do in November. But I’m not voting for Donald Trump, under any circumstances.”
Contributors to this report include CNN’s Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Gregory Krieg, Shania Shelton, and Edward-Isaac Dovere.