New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Endorses Donald Trump

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Friday announced that he's endorsing Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race.

"I am proud to be here to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States," Christie said at a Trump press conference in Forth Worth, Texas just days before 11 states hold primaries or caucuses on Super Tuesday next week.

Christie said his family and Trump's family have been friends "for over a decade" and said there's "no one who is better prepared" to be commander-in-chief than Trump.

"The best person to beat Hillary Clinton in November on that stage last night is undoubtedly Donald Trump," Christie told reporters.

The New Jersey governor, who dropped out of the 2016 presidential race after New Hampshire's GOP primary earlier this month, said that Trump is a "strong and resolute leader" who can take on the D.C. establishment and will "lead the Republican Party to victory."

Christie said he made the decision to endorse Trump on Thursday morning and met with him then.

While Trump has downplayed the importance of endorsements, he said this one could be key.

"Generally speaking I'm not big on endorsements," Trump said. "This was an endorsement that really meant a lot."

2/10/2016 Related Story: Governor Chris Christie Ends Presidential Campaign