WINDHAM, N.H. — Former Gov. Chris Christie ended his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, less than two weeks before voters head to the polls in the New Hampshire Republican primary.
Christie, whose campaign centered on stopping Donald Trump, made the announcement at a town hall.
“My goal has never been to be just a voice against the hate, the division, and the selfishness that our party has become under Donald Trump,” Christie told supporters. “I’ve always said that if there came a point in time that I couldn’t see a path to accomplishing that goal that I would get out. And it’s clear to me tonight that there isn’t a path to me to win the nomination.
“I’m proud of everything we’ve said and done so far … to restore the soul of our country,” he said. “From the moment I got into the race the decision I made was very simple, I would rather lose by telling the truth than lie and win.”
Christie failed to gain serious traction after he entered the race as the most vocal critic of Trump. Christie has repeatedly faced calls and pressure to exit the race before any votes are cast to not spoil the race for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is in striking distance of Trump in recent New Hampshire polls.
He did not endorse other candidates, but could be heard sharply criticizing Haley on a campaign livestream before his announcement.
“She’s going to get smoked,” he said. “She’s not up to this.” He said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called him, petrified he would endorse Haley, but the hot mic was cut before Christie finished speaking.
Christie as recently as Tuesday night said he wouldn’t end his bid because he believed Haley would ultimately back Trump once it’s clear she didn’t have a path to beat the former president. But less than 24 hours later, he said dropping out was “the right thing to do.”
The former New Jersey governor continued to attack Trump as he left the race, acknowledging he made a mistake when he…
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