Christie Calls GOP Midterm Tactics “Malpractice”

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie appeared on ABC News’s “This Week” on Sunday and warned that the Republican Party is engaging in “political malpractice” as it seeks to retain control of Congress in a challenging midterm environment. Christie, a former 2016 presidential candidate who later aligned with Donald Trump before opposing him in the 2024 primaries, cited the unexpectedly competitive Senate race in Kansas as a symptom of the party’s broader strategic missteps.

The Hill

The upcoming 2026 midterms are projected to favor Democrats in both the House and the Senate, according to forecasts from Decision Desk HQ, a partner of The Hill. Analysts attribute the shift to President Trump’s low approval ratings and growing voter frustration over the economy, including higher grocery and gasoline prices. In Kansas, incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) is facing a strong challenge from Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, underscoring the vulnerability of Republican incumbents in traditionally safe seats.

The Hill

Christie outlined three pillars of his criticism. First, he argued that President Trump’s controversial oil deal will channel money to Russia, “to kill free Ukrainians.” Third, he condemned the Pentagon’s decision to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, describing it as a symptom of a party culture that demands unwavering support for everything Trump says and does.

The Hill

• “This is malpractice, and the fact is Tom is smarter than that. He knows better than that. But what you heard throughout it is this absolute requirement that you must stand by everythingDonald Trumpsays and does,” — Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

The Hill