NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, known for his brash political style and failed presidential bids, has been appointed to teach a political science course at Yale University. The announcement comes as Christie pivots his focus away from national politics following a second unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination.
Now, Ivy League students can learn how to run a campaign from a two-time presidential campaign failure, but also a guy who once knew how to run a good political campaign.
Christie, who left office in 2018 amid declining approval ratings, ran for president in 2016 but struggled to gain traction in a crowded field, ultimately suspending his campaign after a poor showing in New Hampshire. His attempt to secure the GOP nomination again in 2024 also faltered, as he was overshadowed by higher-polling candidates and faced significant challenges raising funds and expanding his base.
Despite his political setbacks, Christie has been invited to share his experiences and insights with students at one of the nation’s leading universities. The course is expected to focus on modern political campaigns and governance, areas where Christie has firsthand experience, though not always with the success he sought.
Christie’s time as governor was marked by controversy, including the “Bridgegate” scandal, in which members of his administration were implicated in a politically motivated lane closure on the George Washington Bridge. While Christie himself was not charged, the scandal damaged his reputation and likely hindered his national ambitions.
As he transitions into an academic role, Christie brings a complex legacy to the classroom—one that includes both his time as a U.S. Attorney and his efforts to reshape New Jersey’s political landscape, alongside his difficulties on the national stage. Yale students will have the opportunity to learn from a figure whose political career has been defined by both high-profile achievements and notable disappointments.
For Christie, the appointment marks a shift in his career trajectory, as his prospects for future presidential campaigns appear increasingly dim. His move to academia may signal a recognition that his time in electoral politics has come to an end, and that his influence may now be felt more in the lecture halls than on the campaign trail.
