Christie to launch 2016 bid next week

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday from Livingston High School, his alma mater in northern New Jersey, a source with close ties to Christie confirmed to The Hill.

{mosads}Christie would be the 14th Republican to enter the race for the GOP nomination in a crowded field that’s expected to reach 16 candidates.

WNYC first published a report citing unnamed sources familiar with Christie’s plans, and ABC News has since confirmed.

The New Jersey governor was at the top of the polls throughout much of 2014, but entered this year badly damaged by the scandal surrounding the 2013 lane closures on the George Washington Bridge.

He’s currently in 9th place nationally in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. That’s a critical spot that he’ll need to hold down — only the top 10 GOP contenders will be competing in the Republican debates.

According to a Public Policy Polling survey released last week, Christie has the worst favorability rating in the entire GOP field. Many polls show that Christie trails only Donald Trump as the candidate Republicans say they won’t even consider voting for.

Christie’s popularity has also cratered at home, with a Fairleigh Dickinson University survey released this week showing his job approval rating is at an all-time low.

Still, Republicans say Christie’s political skills should not be underestimated, and he and his allies see a path to the nomination that runs through New Hampshire. 

The Granite State has historically been kind to mainstream establishment conservatives. 

Christie has been a frequent visitor to the state, where he’s hosted numerous town hall-style events that showcase the straight-talking style that has earned him national attention.