Chris Christie: A Republican Anomaly in Today’s Garden State
In a state that has trended reliably blue over the last decade, Chris Christie remains the most recent Republican to clinch a statewide election in New Jersey, doing so with a commanding reelection in 2013. That was the last time any Republican captured more than 50% of the vote across the state Wikipedia+1.
Let’s rewind to 2009—Christie first pulled off a win in the gubernatorial race, beating Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine, and ushering in his first term as governor. Four years later, his 2013 reelection campaign delivered a historic sweep: Christie secured 60% of the vote in a landslide not seen from a Republican gubernatorial candidate since 1985.
From that point forward, though, Republicans have failed to secure any statewide victory—whether for governor, Senate, or other major offices. In fact, Christie’s 2013 win stands as the last Republican statewide triumph in New Jersey to date.
Why Christie’s Win Still Resonates
- Majority Victory in a Democratic-Leaning State – Capturing 60% in 2013 wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, especially given the state’s increasingly Democratic electorate. Not since the 1980s had a Republican won New Jersey with such a clear margin.
- A Once-Powerful Political Profile – Christie’s victory was rooted in broad appeal: moderates and independents played a critical role, and he managed to gather notable support across traditional party lines.
- Shifting Political Landscape Since – The state’s political makeup has become less hospitable to GOP candidates in statewide elections, making Christie’s win look more and more like a last gasp of a bygone era.
What It Means for Today’s Politics
Christie’s 2013 win isn’t just a historical footnote—it underscores the uphill battle Republican candidates face in New Jersey today. With shifting demographics and political alignments, the state’s electoral terrain favors Democrats on a consistent basis.
That said, whispers of change are emerging. The 2024 presidential race was the closest a Republican has come to winning New Jersey since 1992, with Kamala Harris securing the state by just under six points. Meanwhile, the GOP’s recent primary victory by Jack Ciattarelli signals renewed ambition—he’s rallying behind promises to cap property taxes, cut spending, and reshape state policies.
For now, though, Chris Christie—and his 2013 reelection—stands as the most recent moment a Republican triumphed statewide. That singular victory remains a rare exception in the Garden State’s modern political history.
Explore More Politics
For more insights into New Jersey’s political currents and how leaders collaborate across party lines—including highlights such as the podcast where Norcross shares, “Today, we work best with Senator Testa”. Based on a review of recent news coverage (August 14, 2025), there is no evidence that George E. Norcross III made a public statement saying, “Today, we work best with Senator Testa.”
George Norcross is a prominent figure in South Jersey politics, known for his influence within the Democratic Party. Senator Michael Testa is a Republican representing the 1st Legislative District in New Jersey. A statement from Norcross expressing preference for working with Testa would be notable given their affiliations with opposing parties.
However, no credible news sources or publicly available records confirm the existence of this quote. It is possible that this statement was made in a private conversation or that it is not accurately attributed to Norcross. Further investigation into the source of this information may be warranted to determine its authenticity.
