Chris Smith (New Jersey politician)
| Chris Smith | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 4th district |
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Assumed office January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Frank Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christopher Henry Smith March 4, 1953 Rahway, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party |
Democratic (Before 1978) Republican (1978–present) |
| Spouse(s) | Marie Smith |
| Education | Trenton State College (BS) |
Christopher Henry "Chris" Smith (born March 4, 1953) is the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 4th congressional district, serving since 1981. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes portions of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. He is currently the dean of the New Jersey congressional delegation.
Smith grew up in the Iselin neighborhood of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, worked in his family's sporting goods business, and earned the Eagle Scout award. After graduating with a B.A. from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) in 1975, he became executive director of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee in 1976. Originally a Democrat, he switched parties and became a Republican in 1978.
While working at his family's sporting goods store, 25-year-old Smith ran for Congress as a Republican in 1978. He was defeated by longtime Democratic incumbent U.S. Congressman Frank Thompson 61%–37%.In 1980 he ran again for a rematch. Initially, Smith was thought to have little chance against Thompson, but Thompson was indicted as part of the FBI's Abscam probe. Helped by Ronald Reagan's strong performance in the district, Smith defeated Thompson 57%–41%.
In 1982, Smith faced Democrat and former New Jersey Senate President Joseph P. Merlino. At the end of one of their debates, Smith approached Merlino to exchange pleasantries. Merlino was quoted as saying "Beat it, kid." Smith won the election with 53% of the vote. Since then, Smith has won re-election with at least 61% of the vote.
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