Chris Christie American politician, current governor of New Jersey. Date of Birth: 06.09.1962 Country: USA

1. Biography of Chris Christie
2. Early Life and Education
3. Personal Life
4. Legal Career
5. Political Career
6. Governorship

Biography of Chris Christie

Chris Christie is an American politician and the current governor of the state of New Jersey. He became the state's 55th governor in 2009, making him the first Republican governor in the state in 12 years. Prior to his governorship, Christie served as the state's attorney general and was an attorney.

Early Life and Education

Christopher James Christie was born on September 6, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, to Bill and Sandra Christie. He grew up in Livingston and graduated from a local high school. In 1984, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware, and in 1987, he received a law degree from Seton Hall University Law School. Christie was admitted to the New Jersey bar in December 1987.

Personal Life

In 1986, Christie married Mary Pat Foster, whom he met at the University of Delaware. They settled in a modest apartment in Summit, New Jersey. Mary Pat Christie pursued a career in investment banking and currently works on Wall Street at Cantor Fitzgerald. The couple has four children. They reside in Mendham, choosing not to move to the official governor's residence in Princeton, as previous governors have done. Christie's ancestors are of English and Italian descent.

Legal Career

In 1987, Christie began working at the law firm of Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci. After six years, he became a partner at the firm. Christie specialized in securities, appellate practice, election law, and government affairs. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Political Career

In 1994, Christie was elected to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. His local political career continued until 1998. He then spent three years as a lobbyist for Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci. From January 17, 2002, to December 1, 2008, Christie served as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He led an office of 137 prosecutors, including offices in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. Christie's appointment was not without controversy, as some members of the New Jersey State Bar Association expressed concerns about his lack of experience in criminal law and his familial connection to Tino Fiumara, also known as "Greek," a prominent figure in the Genovese crime family. However, Christie stated that he never hid his relationship with Fiumara. He also faced criticism for using his position to discredit Democrats before elections.

Governorship

In January 2009, Christie launched his campaign for governor. In June, he won the Republican primary with 55% of the vote, defeating two opponents. On November 3, he defeated Democratic candidate Jon Corzine and independent candidate Chris Daggett in the general election. On January 19, 2010, he was sworn in as governor and began his term. As governor, Christie, a Catholic, has been a strong opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage. He has promised to reduce spending on environmental protection, fight crime relentlessly, and not raise taxes for the voters.