A new poll finds that Gov. Chris Christie’s approval rating is at an all-time low and most New Jerseyans think that the state is now worse off because of him.
The Monmouth University poll was conducted after photographs of the governor and his family spending time on a beach during the government shutdown went viral. The poll found his approval rating to be just 15 percent.
The 800 people polled said that they approved more of both the state Legislature and President Donald Trump, who received a 35 percent approval rating in the poll.
Many of the people polled cited the photos of Christie and his family taken at Island Beach State Park as the reason they were angry with the governor. Patrick Murray of the Monmouth Polling Institute says some respondents used profanity to describe their feelings.
“We now have a majority of 55 percent of New Jerseyans who say the state is worse off because Christie has been governor,” Murray says.
Other people polled said that the recently increased gas tax was another reason they disapproved of the governor.
“I took a hit. I feel that’s something that needs to be addressed,” said one resident.
But some New Jersey residents tell News 12 New Jersey that they still like Christie and that they would vote for him again.
“I mean I like the guy. I thought he was honest and good to the people,” said West Long Branch resident Aurelia Brisco. “I never disliked him. I hope he makes it again.”
The poll was released on the same day Christie was heard hosting WFAN’s sports radio afternoon show. The governor is reportedly auditioning to replace current host Mike Francesa. Several people called into the radio station to criticize Christie on air.
Christie will leave office in January.
The Monmouth University Poll was conducted by telephone from July 6-9 with 800 New Jersey adults. The Monmouth University Polling Institute said the results have a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. CLICK HERE to view to full results of the Monmouth University poll.