Childhood and Education Journey of Chris Christie in Timeline

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

An overview of the childhood and early education of Chris Christie, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

September 6, 1962: Chris Christie Born

On September 6, 1962, Christopher James Christie was born.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Family Moved to Livingston

After the 1967 Newark riots, Christie's family moved to Livingston, New Jersey.

1973: Roe v. Wade

In 1973, the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade was decided.

1984: Graduated from the University of Delaware

In 1984, Chris Christie graduated from the University of Delaware.

1986: Marriage to Mary Pat Foster

In 1986, Chris Christie married Mary Pat Foster, a fellow student at the University of Delaware.

1993: Birth of Son Andrew

In 1993, Chris Christie's son, Andrew, was born.

1996: Birth of Daughter Sarah

In 1996, Chris Christie's daughter, Sarah, was born.

2000: Birth of Son Patrick

In 2000, Chris Christie's son, Patrick, was born.

July 2002: Traffic Accident

In July 2002, Chris Christie was involved in a traffic accident that injured a motorcyclist in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

2003: Birth of Daughter Bridget

In 2003, Chris Christie's daughter, Bridget, was born.

September 2009: Accident Revealed During Gubernatorial Run

In September 2009, the July 2002 traffic accident involving Chris Christie came to light while he was running for governor.

2009: Identified as Anti-Abortion

In 2009, Christie identified himself as anti-abortion, but stated he would not force his views on others, while still supporting certain restrictions.

April 2012: Christie visits Israel on trade mission

In April 2012, Chris Christie traveled to Israel on a trade mission, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, and commenting on Jerusalem's status under Israeli control.

October 30, 2012: Christie praises Obama's Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

On October 30, 2012, during a press conference about Hurricane Sandy, Chris Christie praised President Barack Obama's disaster relief efforts.

December 28, 2012: Senate approves Hurricane Sandy relief package

On December 28, 2012, the U.S. Senate approved a $60.4 billion disaster relief package for Hurricane Sandy, which impacted New Jersey and other states.

February 2013: Lap-Band Stomach Surgery

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

2014: "Pro-life governor" statement

In 2014, while campaigning in Alabama, Christie stated he was the first "pro-life governor" elected in New Jersey since Roe v. Wade in 1973 and mentioned vetoing Planned Parenthood funding five times.

March 2015: Endorsement of abortion ban after 20 weeks

In March 2015, Christie joined other potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates in endorsing a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

2016: Presidential Candidates Abortion Views

In 2016, Chris Christie and other presidential candidates endorsed a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

2018: New Jersey bans marriage for everyone under the age of majority

In 2018, after Christie left office, New Jersey became the second state in the Union to prohibit marriage for everyone under the age of majority.

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.

2021: Republican Rescue Book Release

In 2021, Chris Christie's book, "Republican Rescue", was released, in which he recounts his experience with COVID-19 and a call from Donald Trump during his hospitalization.

2023: Abortion as a state issue

In 2023, Christie stated he believed that abortion should be a state-by-state issue and opposed a federal ban on abortion.

2024: Opposition to Gender Affirming Care Bans for Minors

During his 2024 campaign, Christie stated that he opposes Republican-proposed bans on gender affirming care for minors, supporting parental involvement instead.

2024: Teaching at Yale

In 2024, Christie began teaching a course at Yale University.

2024: Respects Same-Sex Marriage

In 2024, after announcing his candidacy for the Republican presidential primaries, Christie's campaign said that the former governor currently "respects same-sex marriage and considers it legally settled."