Chris Christie Decides Against Running for President as No Labels Candidate
Jarrett Renshaw
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, has made the decision not to run as the No Labels candidate for president, dealing a significant blow to the centrist third-party’s aspirations for the White House.
Blow to No Labels
Christie’s choice leaves the group with limited viable options for candidates as it aims to capitalize on the dissatisfaction with the two major-party contenders, President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and Republican rival Donald Trump.
Christie’s Statement
Expressing gratitude for the encouragement to pursue a third-party candidacy, Christie emphasized the importance of avoiding any scenario that could contribute to Donald Trump winning the presidency again.
Christie’s Decision
The Washington Post reported that Christie’s decision came after conducting opinion polls in battleground states that revealed no feasible path to the presidency.
No Labels’ Search for Candidates
No Labels had announced plans to name a presidential ticket soon but acknowledged the challenge of finding willing and viable candidates for a third-party bid.
Politicians Declining
In recent weeks, several politicians, including U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema, opted out of running for No Labels, further complicating the group’s candidate search.
No Labels’ Progress
No Labels has made significant strides in gaining ballot access or completing applications in 19 states, signaling its commitment to establishing a presence in the political landscape.
Christie’s Stance on Trump
Having run for president in 2016 and later becoming an occasional adviser to Trump, Christie evolved into one of the former president’s sharpest critics during the recent campaign cycle.
Final Thoughts
Christie’s firm stance against enabling Trump’s return to the presidency underscores his prioritization of national interests over personal ambitions, shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election.