Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is set to make his first campaign trip to South Carolina since announcing his 2024 bid for the White House. The prominent Republican candidate, who entered the race last month with criticism of former President Donald Trump, will engage in a town hall event in Columbia on July 21. Christie extended an invitation to voters on Twitter, urging them to come with their questions.
The town hall is scheduled to take place at Senate’s End on Senate Street in Columbia, lasting two hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. This visit marks Christie’s initial public campaign swing in South Carolina since joining the Republican presidential race for 2024. His 2016 run for the presidency did not include South Carolina’s crucial primary as he dropped out following a poor showing in New Hampshire. At that time, he threw his support behind Donald Trump.
Christie is currently one of twelve Republican contenders vying for the presidency, a field that comprises two South Carolinians, a former president, a former vice president, and a popular governor, among others. To date, Christie has been primarily focusing on campaign events in New Hampshire, which hosts the first Republican primary on the nominating calendar.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Christie expressed confidence in his campaign’s progress, noting that he had exceeded 40,000 unique donors in 35 days. He highlighted his desire to win or come in second place in New Hampshire, while also expressing his intention to make headway in South Carolina.
During the launch of his campaign last month at Saint Anselm College, Christie criticized other Republican candidates for their reluctance to challenge Donald Trump or even mention his name. In his scathing remarks, Christie described Trump as a self-focused individual who avoids taking responsibility for mistakes while eagerly claiming credit for any successes.
Notably, Christie’s visit to South Carolina coincides with the campaign events of other presidential hopefuls. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans to make a return trip to South Carolina with a two-day program beginning on July 17, including filing his candidacy for the state’s Republican presidential primary. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will also host her own campaign event on July 20 at Zen Greenville.
As the 2024 Republican presidential race gains momentum, candidates are actively campaigning across crucial early primary states. Christie’s town hall in South Carolina offers voters an opportunity to engage with the candidate and voice their concerns and questions.
