Overview

Christine Todd Whitman served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey, from 1994 until 2001. She won election in 1993 as a Republican challenger to incumbent Democratic Governor Jim Florio, becoming the first woman to serve as the state’s governor. She secured re-election in 1997. Prior to her governorship, she served as president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities from 1990 to 1993. She resigned the governorship in January 2001 to accept appointment as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President George W. Bush, serving until June 2003.

Born in New York City in 1946, Whitman grew up in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. She graduated from Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 1968 with a degree in government. Before entering electoral politics, she worked on Republican campaigns and served on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Her political lineage includes her father, Webster Todd, who served as Republican National Committeeman from New Jersey.

Following her federal service, Whitman founded The Whitman Strategy Group, a consulting firm focusing on energy and environmental issues. She has remained active in Republican politics as a critic of the party’s direction while maintaining her registration.

Political Career

President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (1990–1993)

Governor of New Jersey (1994–2001)

Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2001–2003)

Co-founder and co-chair, Republican Leadership Council (2003–2004)

Unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate (1990)

Key Policy Areas

Environmental regulation and climate change

Tax reduction and fiscal policy

Education funding (specifically the Abbott district rulings implementation)

Women’s political leadership and recruitment

Campaign finance reform

LGBTQ+ rights within Republican politics

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Implemented the 30% income tax reduction promised during her 1993 campaign, phased in over three years

Appointed the first Muslim-American judge to the New Jersey Superior Court (1995)

Issued executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment (1992)

Resigned as EPA Administrator in 2003 citing difficulty implementing administration policies

Endorsed Joe Biden for president in 2020, breaking with Republican Party

Co-founded Forward Party with Andrew Yang in 2021

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Government, Wheaton College (Norton, MA), 1968

Personal

Birth date: September 26, 1946

Residence: Harding Township, Morris County, New Jersey

Occupation: President, The Whitman Strategy Group (consulting firm)