Centrist political party No Labels had another high-profile candidate reject their offer to run at the top of a presidential ticket this election cycle, as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) turned down the group. The organization continues to search for its candidate for 2024 with Christie out of the lineup as a possible nominee.
No Labels contacted the New Jersey Republican after Christie appeared to leave open the possibility of a third-party run against Trump and Biden in an interview. But given the opportunity to run as the number one on a third party ticket with ballot access in 14 states — enough to send a message, but not to win the electoral college — Christie backed down.
BREAKING
Chris Christie has declined to run for president on the No Labels ticket:
"While I believe this is a conversation that needs to be had with the American people, I also believe that if there is not a pathway to win and if my candidacy in any way, shape, or form would… pic.twitter.com/zzei1vU5d1
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 28, 2024
“I appreciate the encouragement I’ve gotten to pursue a third-party candidacy. I believe we need a country that once again feels like everyone has a stake in what we’re doing and leadership that strives to bring people together, instead of using anger to divide us,” Christie said in a statement on Wednesday. He said he did not want to help former President Donald Trump.
“While I believe this is a conversation that needs to be had with the American people, I also believe that if there is not a pathway to win and if my candidacy in any way, shape or form would help Donald Trump become president again, then it is not the way forward,” the former governor and U.S. prosecutor added.
🚨Just in: Chris Christie has ruled out running as a No Labels Presidential Campaign in 2024. pic.twitter.com/lblsaJfOMu
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) March 28, 2024
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has also rejected a bid for the White House on the No Labels ticket.
“I will not be seeking a third party run, I will not be involved in a presidential run,” Manchin said. “I will be involved in making sure that we secure a president who has the knowledge and has the passion and has the ability to bring this country together.”
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R) also snubbed the group: “I’m a Republican. You go on a No Labels ticket, what does that mean? A Democrat vice president. That’s not who I am. I’m a conservative. I’ve always been a hardcore Republican. I think that this is about the party and this is about the country, and the only way to do it is to do it the right way.”
