N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Announces 2016 Presidential Run

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie formally announced his plans to pursue a 2016 presidential run on Tuesday, thus joining the long list of Republican contenders for the next presidency.

Christie announced his plans to run Tuesday morning in a speech from his Alma Mater of Livingston High School in Livingston, New Jersey.

The governor of the Garden State focused his announcement on his aggressive ability to run the country, pointing to his experience as governor of New Jersey with Hurricane Sandy and a downtrodden economy in 2010.

"Unlike some people who offer themselves for president in 2016, you won't have to wonder whether I can do it or not," Christie said, referencing his political experience.

Christie went on to say that he doesn't plan to be the "most popular guy" in the country, but will rather bring "strength and decision-making" back to the Oval Office.

"We need strength and decision-making and authority back in the Oval Office," he said during his speech.

"I am not running for president of the United States as surrogate for being elected prom king of America," Christie continued, adding "I am not going to be the most popular guy who looks into your eye every day and says what you want to hear."

Christie now joins a long line of Republican presidential hopefuls set to face-off in 2016, including former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.