NYT: Christie Out as RNC Chair Candidate

Embattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is no longer a candidate to be the next Republican National Committee chairman, The New York Times reported.

Christie had interest in taking over the RNC for Reince Priebus, who is going to be President-elect Donald Trump's White House chief of staff. Christie had also been demoted from leading Trump's transition team this fall, a role that was reassigned to Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

Christie had been a loyal supporter for Trump's presidential candidacy since dropping out of the GOP primary, but sources told The Times there has been little support for him amid the Bridgegate controversy where two former Christie aides were convicted of federal charges, including: fraud, conspiracy and depriving the residents of Fort Lee, N.J., of their civil rights.

The Times reported Ronna Romney McDaniel, niece of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Michigan GOP chair, is said to be the favorite among Trump's inner circle to be the next RNC chair. Nick Ayers, a Pence aide, and Mercedes Schlapp, a GOP strategist, are also considered candidates.

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