"I intend to seek the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2024 and I want your support," Christie said Tuesday evening.
Christie in a tweet after the announcement said he is running "because the truth still matters."
"We need leaders that are willing to stand up and tell it like it is. That’s what this campaign is about. I’m the only candidate who can take on [former US president] Donald Trump and tell the truth. Every other Republican thinks they can tiptoe around him. I don’t tiptoe," he said.
Hours earlier, the one-time governor officially filed paperwork to run for US president in the 2024 election, a Federal Election Commission filing had revealed. "I hereby designate the following named political committee as my Principal Campaign Committee for the 2024 election(s), CHRIS CHRISTIE FOR PRESIDENT, INC.," the filing said.
Christie joins a crowded race for the Republican nomination in the presidential election that includes former President Donald Trump, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Former Vice President Mike Pence filed paperwork to run for president on Monday, but is expected to officially announce his bid soon.
Christie ran against Trump during the 2020 presidential race and later became an aide for his campaign.