Christie tells supporters he's running for president
By JILL COLVIN and STEVE PEOPLES, Associated Press
Jun 30, 2015 9:05 AM CDT
FILE - In this May 28, 2015, file photo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks in Pemberton, N.J. Christie, who spent three years as president of his high school class, is returning to his alma mater, Tuesday, June 30, 2015, to announce he's running for president of his country. (AP Photo/Mel Evans,...   (Associated Press)

LIVINGSTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has told his most loyal supporters that he's running for president.

The Republican governor held a conference call with donors, friends and out-of-state supporters Tuesday morning before his official launch event at his old high school in Livingston, New Jersey.

Christie said, "Going back to where you were when you were 15, or 16, or 17 years old, and to be able to stand in front of that group of people and offer yourself to the presidency is a really, really amazing moment."

He also asked supporters to have confidence in him and work hard on his behalf.

The Republican governor faces a difficult road to the GOP nomination in a crowded field that now numbers 14 major candidates, with two more expected to join next month.