New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie admitted Friday that endorsing Donald Trump for president has hurt his image in the blue state he runs and calls home.
Christie was on NBC's "Today" talking about the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated parts of the Jersey shore. He was also asked about his unpopularity numbers as he prepares to leave office in a few months.
"I ran for president. People don't like when you have a job and you are looking for another one right in front of them," Christie said. "I endorsed Donald Trump, and that was incredibly unpopular in my state as a blue state.
"And, third, Bridge-gate happened. I think the combination of those three things, all three of which had really nothing to do with the execution of my job, impacted people and the way they felt about me."
Christie's presidential aspirations ended when he exited the race in February 2016 after the New Hampshire primary.
Regarding Bridge-gate, members of Christie's inner circle ordered the closure of several lanes on the George Washington Bridge that connects Fort Lee, N.J. and New York City, which led to massive traffic delays in September 2013. It was alleged that the closures came in response to Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich's refusal to support Christie's re-election as governor in 2013.
Christie said in August he regrets hiring the people who were behind the Bridge-gate scandal. He has long denied playing any role in the scandal.