Gov. Chris Christie will seek a second term as New Jersey's governor.
He made the announcement during an appearance at a press conference at the Port Monmouth Fire Dept. Monday afternoon. Christie declined to talk in detail about his bid, saying he is saving that for a more formal announcement in January.
But he did say he sought the advice of his wife, Mary Pat, and four children, over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, and got their blessing.
"I have a job to finish that I would have never anticipated to have six weeks ago," said Christie. He said loved the Garden State. "I want to leave it better than I found it when I'm done."
The gubernatorial election will take place in November 2013.
In response to a question about whether he would still focus on cutting taxes in light of the Hurricane Sandy crisis, he said he would not waver.
"It's more important than ever to cut taxes," he said, adding that it is especially crucial to the ability of small business owners to rebound.
Christie made his announcement surrounded by uniformed representatives of Middletown Township's fire and first aid workers, whom he said he admired for their dedicated service. "These folks are a reassurance to me," he said
In attendance was state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos, Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso, Deputy Mayor Stephen Massell as well as Middletown homeowners who came to hear the governor in person.