Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Sunday accused his party of committing political “malpractice” as it fights to hold Congress in a difficult midterm cycle.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Christie took aim at House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) for what he described as a flawed defense of the GOP’s record. “As a Republican, I sat here shaking my head at the political malpractice that was committed on this air with you by Tom Emmer,” Christie told host Jon Karl.
Christie, who sought the presidency in 2016 and later became a Trump ally before turning against the former president in the 2024 primaries, identified three pillars of what he called the Republican argument over the past three weeks. First, he pointed to President Trump’s controversial oil deal, which Christie argued would provide Russia with funds “to kill free Ukrainians.” That deal has already sparked bipartisan backlash, as seen in Zelensky’s upcoming airing of grievances.
Second, Christie highlighted rising costs at the grocery store and gas pump, which he said Republicans are trying to avoid by reframing the issue as “American people don’t get the fact that the economy is great.” Third, he mentioned the Pentagon’s recent decision to livestream the execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.
“This is malpractice, and the fact is Tom is smarter than that. He knows better than that. But what you heard throughout it is this absolute requirement that you must stand by everything Donald Trump says and does,” Christie continued. “If you want to remain in leadership in the House or the Senate, and it is, it is malpractice to good Republicans all across this country who care about the issues we care about.”
Christie’s remarks come as Democrats are favored to win the House and, more narrowly, the Senate this fall, according to the latest forecasts from Decision Desk HQ, a partner of The Hill. The president’s approval numbers remain problematic, and voter anger over the economy under a Republican-led Washington is growing.
Kansas’s Senate race has become emblematic of the GOP’s troubles. Incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) is struggling against Democratic opponent Adam Hamilton. DDHQ noted in a polling analysis that Hamilton gives Democrats an “outside shot” of flipping the seat. That race has drawn national attention, with a second former GOP governor endorsing Hamilton, further complicating Marshall’s path.
Christie, who teased a third potential presidential bid in September, said any decision would depend on the 2026 midterm results. His sharp criticism underscores the broader anxiety within Republican ranks as the party confronts a tough electoral environment.
