Challenges in the Life of Chris Christie in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Chris Christie faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Chris Christie is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. A Republican, he previously served as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey (2002-2008) and as a Morris County commissioner (1995-1997). Christie has run for the Republican presidential nomination twice, in 2016 and 2024. Known for his direct and often confrontational style, his tenure as governor was marked by both successes, such as pension reform, and controversies, including the "Bridgegate" scandal.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: Issued Subpoena Regarding Menendez

In 2006, Christie issued a subpoena regarding Robert Menendez 65 days before the Senate election.

February 2010: Declared Fiscal Emergency

In February 2010, Christie signed an executive order declaring a "state of fiscal emergency" due to the projected $2.2 billion budget deficit for that fiscal year.

March 2010: Signed State Pension Reform Bills

In March 2010, Christie signed into law three state pension reform bills, which had passed with bipartisan support.

August 25, 2010: Race to the Top Grant Issue

On August 25, 2010, it was announced that New Jersey would not receive $400 million in federal Race to the Top education grants due to a clerical error.

June 2011: Announced Pension and Benefits Reform Deal

In June 2011, Christie announced a deal with the Democratic leadership of the legislature on a reform of public employee pensions and benefits.

June 2011: Utilized Line-Item Veto on Budget

In late June 2011, Christie utilized New Jersey's line-item veto to eliminate nearly $1 billion from the proposed budget.

July 1, 2011: Budget Signed Into Law

In late June but signed on July 1, 2011, Christie utilized New Jersey's line-item veto to eliminate nearly $1 billion from the proposed budget, signing it into law just hours prior to July 1, 2011, the beginning of the state's fiscal year.

February 2013: Lap-Band Stomach Surgery

In February 2013, Chris Christie underwent lap-band stomach surgery to address concerns about his weight and health.

March 2014: Court Ruled Christie Acted Illegally

In March 2014, the court ruled that Christie had acted illegally in pulling the state out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

May 2014: Cut Pension Fund Contributions

In May 2014, Christie cut the contributions to New Jersey public workers' pension funds for a 14-month period by nearly $2.5 billion to deal with a revenue shortfall in the state budget.

February 10, 2016: Dropping out of Presidential Race

On February 10, 2016, Chris Christie dropped out of the presidential race after a poor showing and low poll numbers in the New Hampshire primary, where he received 7.4% of the overall vote.

September 2016: Acknowledging Bridgegate Scandal

In September 2016, Chris Christie acknowledged that the Fort Lee lane closure scandal, also known as Bridgegate, played a role in his being denied the nomination.

October 13, 2016: Misconduct complaint against Christie allowed to proceed

On October 13, 2016, a complaint of official misconduct was allowed to proceed, alleging that Christie knew about the George Washington Bridge lane closures while they were ongoing but failed to act.

July 2017: Christie vacations on closed beach during shutdown

In July 2017, during a budget shutdown, Governor Chris Christie and his family were photographed vacationing on a beach closed to the public at Island Beach State Park, drawing criticism.

2017: Criticism of School Funding Proposal

In 2017, Chris Christie's school funding proposal was described by education researchers as "one of the least equitable in the country".

October 3, 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test and Hospitalization

On October 3, 2020, Chris Christie tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey due to his asthma.

2020: Millionaire Tax Passed

In 2020, after Democrat Phil Murphy became governor, the millionaire tax was eventually passed into law.

January 10, 2024: Dropping Out of 2024 Presidential Race

On January 10, 2024, Chris Christie dropped out of the presidential race at a town hall meeting in Windham, stressing his decision was made to prevent vote splitting and ensure Trump did not win the primary.