Christie Campaign Manager to Lead New Jersey GOP

Bill Stepien, the two-time campaign manager of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, has been tapped to head the New Jersey Republican Party.

Both Christie and outgoing New Jersey GOP Chairman Sam Raia said they support Stepien as the new party boss, The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

In a statement, Christie, who is also chairman of the Republican Governor's Association, said: "I’ve asked Bill Stepien to be our new State Party Chairman because no one better understands how to grow our party, communicate our message and, most importantly, win elections.

"[He] is the best Republican operative in the country, and New Jersey Republicans will be fortunate to have him leading our Party."

Along with heading Christie's campaigns, Stepien worked as his deputy chief of staff for legislative and intergovernmental affairs, according to the Star-Ledger.

Previously, he worked on the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain of Arizona. He was also national field director for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

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