Despite being passed over as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's running mate, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Florida Senator Marco Rubio will still play important roles at the GOP convention being held in Tampa, Florida, later this month.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced Tuesday that Christie will deliver the keynote speech at the convention, while Rubio will have the key role of introducing Romney for his speech to accept the Republican nomination.
Christie considered running for president himself but ultimately decided against it and endorsed Romney in October of 2011. The New Jersey Gov. was also seen as being on the short list of potential vice presidential candidates.
Priebus said, "As governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie has proven how bold Republican leadership gets results. He has fearlessly tackled his state's most difficult challenges, while looking out for hardworking taxpayers."
"He is a leader of principle and conviction, and I am excited to hear him address the Republican National Convention as our keynote speaker," Priebus added.
Rubio, a first-term Senator from the key battleground state of Florida, was also seen as a possible running mate for Romney but frequently indicated that he would prefer to stay in the Senate.
Priebus said, "Senator Marco Rubio is without a doubt one of America's most dynamic and inspiring leaders, and I am excited to announce that he will introduce Governor Romney at the Republican National Convention."
"Senator Rubio is a proven leader and a man of true character, and it is fitting that he will take on such an important role at our convention in his home state," he added.
Christie and Rubio are among a number of prominent Republicans that are due to speak at the convention, including 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
The Republican convention, which will be held August 27th through 30th, will also feature speeches by Romney and his newly announced vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.