Christie Wins Re-Election in New Jersey

Governor’s Victory Fuels More Talk of Presidential Run.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was re-elected Tuesday, securing a second term by making substantial inroads into Democratic constituencies and fueling more talk of a presidential run.

With 42% of precincts reporting, Mr. Christie had 60% of the vote, compared with 39% for Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono.

The race was watched nationally, not because it was close but because Mr. Christie led in polls by huge margins in a state that President Barack Obama won easily in 2012. The big victory sets up Mr. Christie well to mount a bid for president in 2016, though the governor has said he hasn’t decided on his future plans.

Mr. Christie ran as a bipartisan figure who worked across the aisle to curb the power of public-sector unions and fight for federal aid for victims of last year’s superstorm Sandy. He built alliances with Democratic Party leaders and siphoned support from Democratic mayors, blacks, Hispanics and others who generally don’t back Republicans.

According to early exit polls, Mr. Christie won 61% of men and 55% of women, while taking more than two-thirds of white voters. He made progress with Hispanics, winning 48% compared with 32% in 2009, and with blacks, winning 20% compared with 9%.

“I think it would show that he has the strength to be a serious contender for the presidential nomination,” said Michael Dennehy, a Republican strategist from New Hampshire.

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