Newt Gingrich calls Chris Christie a major contender in the 2016 election

Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, appeared on CNN’s “New Day” on Tuesday, and expressed his belief that New Jersey governor Chris Christie will be a top contender in the 2016 presidential election. “He’ll probably set the record for at least the last 30 years,” Gingrich said. “The question will be how many Republicans does he bring into the legislature, which will be a big way of measuring his impact institutionally.”

Gingrich also predicted that Governors Scott Walker, John Kasich and Rick Perry will be up for the Republican nomination. “I think governors will play a big role in ’16,” said Gingrich.

Gov. Christie is expected to win reelection in New Jersey by a wide margin, partially for his ability to work well with members of both parties. Many say Christie has taken on a political strategy similar to that of President Obama, and he has been able to appeal to Republicans and Democrats in what was once considered a blue state.