New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has taken his firmest step yet toward running for president, launching an organization that allows him to raise money for a potential 2016 campaign.
While not a formal entry into the race, opening the political action committee is the most definitive sign yet that Christie will seek the Republican presidential nomination.
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While Christie has told supporters to “relax” about the timing of his entry into the race, he has faced mounting pressure to get started after Bush — whose support and donor base significantly overlaps with Christie’s — said he would “actively explore” a run.
Christie’s campaign is likely to focus on many of the themes he’s spent years developing in New Jersey, including a pitch that he can expand the Republican Party’s tent by appealing to independent, women and minority voters, who helped him win his commanding re-election victory as governor in the reliably blue state.
