OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Everyone knows Donald Trump will very likely be the Republican nominee in the 2024 bid for the White House. It’s only a matter of time before other candidates drop out.
In New Hampshire, which will be the first state to hold a Republican primary election, polls show the second-place candidate behind Trump is former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Christie is polling at 9% in New Hampshire, according to an Emerson College poll. This is still very far behind Trump’s polling numbers in the state.
Chris Christie is ready to go after Trump, literally:
“I Will Start Following Him Around the Country. Wherever He Goes, I Go” 🍿 pic.twitter.com/SlKo62HMsm
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 13, 2023
The former New Jersey governor has vowed to leave the race for the party’s nomination if his campaign does not perform well in New Hampshire.
“I can’t see myself leaving the race under any circumstances before New Hampshire,” Christie said. “If I don’t do well in New Hampshire, then I’ll leave.”
Christie also admitted that he believes Trump will be the Republican nominee if he wins in New Hampshire.
“I think once Donald Trump loses in one place, that entire rotted building will crumble,” he argued.
🚨NEW: Mike Pence is considering choosing Chris Christie to be his VP if elected.
Would you vote for a Mike Pence/ Chris Christie Ticket? pic.twitter.com/rn8RHSHF3N
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) September 8, 2023
Trump is the clear front-runner for the Republican nomination.
Christie believes the key to defeating Trump would be to win in an early state, like New Hampshire. More than 90% of Christie’s campaign stops have been in New Hampshire.