Chris Christie’s Fortune: $19 Million Net Worth and Business Income
Chris Christie entered the national political scene as the bold, no-nonsense Governor of New Jersey in 2010. Known for his blunt speaking style and moderate Republican views, Christie quickly became a rising star in the GOP and was seen as a potential presidential contender.
However, his political career was marred by controversy, and Christie’s presidential ambitions ultimately fell short. Today, the former governor remains a prominent political commentator and occasional candidate, while his legacy in New Jersey politics continues to be debated.
This blog post will explore Chris Christie’s biography, from his early life and career to his time as governor and beyond.
Who is Chris Christie?
Christopher James Christie was born in Newark, New Jersey, on September 6, 1962. He was raised in Livingston, New Jersey, and developed an interest in politics at a young age. He attended the University of Delaware for his undergraduate degree and earned his law degree from Seton Hall University.
Christie began his career as a lawyer, eventually becoming a partner at a law firm. He entered politics in the 1990s as a county freeholder in Morris County, New Jersey.
His big break came in 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed him the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. As a federal prosecutor, Christie was known for aggressively pursuing corruption cases against Democrats and Republicans.
In 2009, Christie ran for governor of New Jersey as a Republican, defeating incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine. He was reelected in 2013 by a wide margin.
As governor, Christie became known nationally for his blunt, aggressive style and willingness to work across the aisle on some issues. He received particular praise for handling the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher James Christie |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Commentator |
| Political Party | Republicans |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million (2024) |
Personal Life and Relationships
Christie married Mary Pat Foster in 1986 after they met as students at the University of Delaware. They have four children: Andrew, Sarah, Patrick, and Bridget.
Mary Pat has worked as an investment banker and has been a critical advisor and supporter throughout Christie’s political career. Christie is known to be close with his family and has spoken about how they help keep him grounded amidst the pressures of politics.
He has credited his parents with instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of public service. Christie is also a devoted fan of Bruce Springsteen and has attended over 130 concerts.
Professional Career and Details
After law school, Christie joined the law firm of Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci, becoming a partner in 1993. He specialized in securities law, appellate practice, election law, and government affairs.
Christie’s political career began in 1994 when he was elected a freeholder in Morris County. 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. As federal prosecutor from 2002 to 2008, Christie oversaw high-profile corruption cases against over 130 public officials.
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In 2009, Christie ran for governor of New Jersey, defeating Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine. He was reelected in 2013. Christie focused on pension reform, property tax caps, and education reform as governor. He gained national attention for his response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Christie ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. After dropping out, he became one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse Donald Trump. He later served as head of Trump’s transition team but was removed shortly after the election.
Since leaving office in 2018, Christie has worked as a political commentator for ABC News. He ran again for president briefly in 2024 but dropped out before the primaries began.
Age and Physique Details
Chris Christie is currently 61 years old. He was born on September 6, 1962, and stands 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Christie’s weight has long been a topic of public discussion and scrutiny. At his heaviest, he reportedly weighed over 350 pounds. In 2013, Christie underwent lap band surgery to lose weight, citing concerns about his long-term health. He is estimated to have lost over 100 pounds following the surgery.
Net Worth and Salary Information
Chris Christie’s estimated net worth in 2024 is around $5 million. His wealth comes from his legal career, political offices, book deals, and commentary.
As Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018, Christie earned an annual salary of $175,000. His current income comes primarily from his role as a political contributor for ABC News and speaking engagements.
Christie has also earned money from book deals. His 2019 memoir “Let Me Finish” was a New York Times bestseller. The exact advance and royalties are unknown but likely contributed significantly to his net worth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million (2024) |
| Governor Salary | $175,000/year during governorship |
| Main Income Sources | ABC News commentary, book deals, public speaking |
| Notable Book | 2019 memoir “Let Me Finish” (NYT bestseller) |
Company and Investment Details
Chris Christie does not publicly disclose any significant business holdings or investments. His wealth comes primarily from his legal and political careers rather than business ventures.
In 2018, Christie started a lobbying and consulting firm called Christie 55 Solutions LLC. The firm earned around $1.3 million during the COVID-19 pandemic before ceasing operations in 2021.
Christie has served on the board of directors for the New York Mets baseball team since 2021. While this is likely a paid position, details of his compensation are not public.
It is not enough for this just to be a momentary call for unity. This change has to go beyond this week, next month and the November election. Otherwise, all we are left with is just another fleeting political moment.
My op-ed in the @nytimes: https://t.co/TB4DkbWqvo pic.twitter.com/MSwOrL7NRK
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) July 16, 2024
Real Estate Investments
Chris Christie’s primary residence is in Mendham Township, New Jersey. He and his wife, Mary Pat, purchased their 6-acre property there in 1998 for $775,000. The home’s current value is estimated to be over $2 million.
The Christies also own a vacation home in Bay Head, New Jersey, purchased in 2014 for $4.8 million.
Beyond these personal properties, no other significant real estate investments are publicly linked to Christie.
Investment and Funding Details
As a politician rather than a business figure, Chris Christie does not have a public investment portfolio or funding ventures. His wealth comes primarily from his career earnings and book deals rather than investments.
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Christie raised about $32 million in campaign contributions. However, campaign funds cannot be used for personal expenses or enrichment.
Since leaving office, Christie has likely invested his wealth in typical vehicles like mutual funds and retirement accounts, but the specifics of his portfolio are not public knowledge.
Contact Details and Social Media Handles
Chris Christie can be reached through his website, www.chrischristie.com, which includes a contact form for inquiries.
His official social media accounts are:
| Platform | Handle/Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.chrischristie.com (contact form available) |
| @GovChristie | |
| @GovChristie | |
| @chrischristieofficial | |
| Speaker Representation | Washington Speakers Bureau |
The Washington Speakers Bureau represents Christie for media or speaking requests.
Conclusion
Both notable successes and damaging controversies have marked Chris Christie’s political career. Rising quickly from corruption-busting prosecutor to presidential contender, Christie’s blunt style made him a star in the Republican party.
However, scandals like “Bridgegate” and his embrace of Donald Trump damaged his reputation and derailed his presidential ambitions. Today, Christie remains a prominent voice in Republican politics, even as he has become increasingly critical of Trump and Trumpism.
His legacy as Governor of New Jersey continues to be debated, with supporters praising his fiscal management and critics decrying his combative style.
Love him or hate him, Chris Christie has been one of the most colorful and influential Republican figures of the past two decades. As he continues to weigh in on national issues, Christie’s straight-talking persona ensures he will remain a political force for years.