Age: 53
Background: The New Jersey governor received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in 1984 before attending Seton Hall University of Law in 1987. In 2002, he was named US Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He's been governor since 2010 and was reelected in 2013.
Stance on hot topics: Throughout his time in office, Christie's been vocal about his pro-life views. He defunded Planned Parenthood in New Jersey six years ago and believes that defunding Planned Parenthood should be put on the president’s desk. On gun control, Christie thinks that focusing on mental health is necessary to prevent gun violence. While he believes all Americans have the right to protect themselves, he also wants mental health records to be included in background checks at the time of purchase.
Memorable quote: "I've got one more question for you then. Are you serious about this election? Because if you are, you need to elect someone who's deadly serious about changing this culture," he said during the third Republican debate, referring to the country's debt and deficit. "I changed it in New Jersey. I'm deadly serious about doing this job the right way."
Standout moment from 2016 election — so far: During the fifth Republican debate, Christie sent Twitter into a rage after asking the audience to “think of the moms taking their kids to the bus stop and the fathers going off to work” in response to the San Bernardino, CA, shooting. The comment led to infuriated social media users calling the candidate out as sexist.
— Reporting by Aimee Simeon
