Christie Endorses LoBiondo for Return to Congress

Gov. Chris Christie is "all in" for Rep. Frank LoBiondo's return to Washington for an 11th term representing New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District.

Governor Chris Christie looks on as Congressman Frank Lobiondo (R) announces he will run again for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district (Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media NJ)

“I’m all in on this one people,” Christie said during a Statehouse press conference where LoBiondo made his re-election announcement, according to PolitickerNJ.com.

“The fact is no matter who you are in his congressional district…if you need help in Washington D.C., Frank LoBiondo is there to listen and then work hard,” Christie said. “His priority is still New Jersey."

He also cited LoBiondo's work to get federal Sandy relief money for New Jersey.

“I can tell you there was no better advocate on the floor of the House of Representatives last January when we were fighting for Sandy relief than Frank LoBiondo,” Christie said, according to an article in the Press of Atlantic City.

Christie said he will campaign for LoBiondo, who has held the seat since 1995, and help with fundraising. LoBiondo is the second candidate Christie will help with fundraising. The governor is attending a fundraiser on Jan. 16 for Steve Lonegan (R) who has announced his intentions to run for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently held by Jon Runyan (R) who is not seeking a third term.

LoBiondo represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes the state's southernmost counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem. The 67-year-old has voted to ban gay marriage and limit access to abortion, and he also faces potential fallout in his Democratic-leaning district for last year's government shutdown.

The 10-term congressman will be challenged by Absecon Board of Education member Mike Assad, who ran unsuccessfully against LoBiondo in the 2012 GOP primary.

Democrat Bill Hughes Jr., the son of the longtime 2nd District representative, has announced his candidacy, while state Sen. Jeff Van Drew is also mulling a run.

Hughes in a statement wondered why he made the announcement in Trenton and not in his home district.

“Frank LoBiondo is so concerned about losing his job that he had to run to Chris Christie to announce his 11^th bid for re-election rather than come home to the district he represents to ask voters for another two years," Hughes said in an emailed statement.