Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has declined an offer to run for president in 2024 as a third-party candidate with the centrist group No Labels.
While Christie said the US needs leadership that brings people together, he did not see a viable path to victory for a third party bid.
“While I believe this is a conversation that needs to be had with the American people, I also believe that if there is not a pathway to win and if my candidacy in any way, shape or form would help Donald Trump become president again, then it is not the way forward,” Christie said.
“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. While I…
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) March 28, 2024
Other high-profile Republicans like Nikki Haley and Larry Hogan also turned down No Labels. Christie ended his own 2024 GOP primary campaign in January and said he would not vote for either Donald Trump or Joe Biden if they were the major party nominees.
His decision suggests he does not view an independent candidacy as realistic despite some interest in a third choice for voters.
“I appreciate the encouragement I’ve gotten to pursue a third-party candidacy,” Christie said. “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.”
“I don’t know who the full field’s going to be yet,” Christie said in February. “And there might be a No Labels candidate.”
“Well, what I’ve said in the past is that I’d have to see a path for anybody — not just me — but I think anybody who would accept that would need to see a path to 270 electoral votes,” he said. “If there was ever a time in our lifetime when a third-party candidate could make a difference, I think it’s now.”
“If it’s Trump versus Biden, who would you vote for?” Joy Behar asked.
“I wouldn’t vote for either of them. I wouldn’t. No, don’t give me that!” Christie said.
“That’s a copout,” Behar said.
“No, it’s not a copout,” Christie said.
“It’s a copout,” she said.
“You want me to choose —” Christie began.
“You would give away your right to vote?” Hostin asked.
“No, I would vote for everyone down the ticket. But I’m not gonna vote for — look, I’m not gonna vote for someone who I don’t believe is capable anymore of the presidency, which is Joe Biden, and somebody —” Christie said.
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