Trump critic Christie drops out of Republican presidential race
By Nathan Layne
(Reuters) -Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ended his flailing bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination on Wednesday, after failing to garner support for a campaign centered on criticism of the policies and character of frontrunner Donald Trump.
Christie dropped out just days before the first Republican nominating contest in Iowa. Christie had the support of just 2% of Republicans in a nationwide Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Tuesday — the same level of support as former Representative Liz Cheney, who never declared herself a candidate.
Trump holds a big lead in the contest to be the party's nominee against President Joe Biden in November's election, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll put him on 49%, ahead of former UN ambassador Nikki Haley at 12% and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on 11%.
DeSantis and Haley are vying to be the clear alternative to Trump and the backing of the 2% who supported Christie could help them on their way.
Christie told a town hall event in New Hampshire that he no longer saw a path forward for his campaign.
Republican strategist John Feehery said Christie dropping out might help Haley in New Hampshire, which will hold the second nominating contest later this month, because many Christie voters will likely switch to her.
But he said he could not see it helping her significantly in other nominating states.
Christie did not discuss his decision with Haley, a person briefed on Christie's plans told Reuters before his announcement.
Just last week, the former governor said he would resist pressure to leave the race.
Christie, a former Trump ally turned critic who sought to position himself as the only Republican contender willing to go toe-to-toe with
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