Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor who has been prepping President Donald Trump for debates with challenger Joe Biden, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Christie tweeted Saturday morning:
"I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19. I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have reached out to ask how I was feeling in the last day or two."
Christie said he will be receiving medical attention Saturday, but did not reveal if he was exhibiting any symptoms.
In addition to his debate help to Trump, Christie also attended last Saturday's Rose Garden event, where Trump announced his Supreme Court pick Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
Christie is now among a list of aides and advisers close to Trump who have tested positive, including Trump's campaign manager Bill Stepien and former White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway. Trump himself had experienced "mild cough and some nasal congestion and fatigue" Thursday but is "improving," White House physician Sean Conley said Saturday.
The 58-year-old Christie has long struggled with his weight, and had a gastric band surgery in early 2013; he also suffers from chronic asthma. His weight and chronic condition both put him at increased risk for COVID-19.
Christie previously has said he was not at Trump’s fundraiser at the Bedminster golf course Thursday, but had spent four mask-less days inside with Trump earlier in the week to prepare for the debates, according NJ.com.
He was also at the Rose Garden last Saturday for the formal nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Following the ceremony — where masks were scarce and social distancing largely ignored — video footage captured Christie embracing other attendees, the news outlet noted.
New Jersey's Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted:
"Tammy and I wish Gov. Christie a full and speedy recovery. He and Mary Pat are in our prayers."
Gov. Murphy another 957 positive cases in New Jersey on Saturday.
Hours after Trump announced his positive COVID-19 test, Christie thanked those who had reached out to see if he was OK.
"I feel fine and have no symptoms," Christie tweeted Friday. But while a test Tuesday had been negative, Christie said he was tested again Friday morning — which proved to be positive.
Christie left office in 2016 as the most unpopular governor in state history after two turbulent terms marred by the Bridgegate scandal and a government shutdown that led to the infamous photo of him and his family at beach that was closed to the public.
He has through it all remained staunchly loyal to the president since backing his candidacy in 2016.
In the days after Trump won the 2016 election, Christie was seen as a favorite for a role in the new administration, but was promptly fired as head of the transition team shortly after Election Day, the news outlet noted.
He stepped into a similar role in September before the first presidential debate.
Along with Stepien and Conway, Christie helped Trump prepare to go head-to-head with Biden.
He told ABC's "Good Morning America" he tested negative every day he went to the White House, from Sept. 26-Sept. 29, the news outlet reported.
According to NJ.com, Murphy said local and county officials have already begin contact tracing to determine if other attendees or employees were exposed to the virus.
Newsmax wire services contributed to this report.
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