A top Republican critic of President Trump is once again blaming him for GOP election losses—this time pointing the finger squarely at Trump for New Jersey’s crushing Republican defeat last year.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie claimed in a new radio interview that Republicans were “wiped out” in the Garden State because GOP candidates tied themselves too closely to President Trump.
Christie said Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican **Jack Ciattarelli Democrats with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he described as far more radical.
Christie was New Jersey’s governor from 2010 through 2017 and is still the sole Republican to win a statewide race in the Garden State in the 21st century. He later sought the presidency in both 2016 and 2024, but was defeated by President Trump in each GOP primary.
His tenure was overshadowed by the infamous “Bridgegate” controversy, which involved traffic lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. Although two aides were convicted, the Supreme Court later overturned those convictions, ruling the actions did not violate federal law. Christie has consistently denied any involvement.
The former governor’s relationship with Trump has deteriorated sharply in recent years, with Trump openly mocking Christie over the scandal after Christie criticized what he called the politicization of criminal investigations.
The comments highlight a growing divide inside the Republican Party—between longtime GOP figures and President Trump—at a time when voters remain deeply concerned about taxes, inflation, and the cost of living.