Chris Christie will make 2013 bid for reelection

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) will run for reelection in 2013, a top political adviser has confirmed to The Fix.

Christie political adviser Mike DuHaime said the Republican incumbent filed paperwork earlier Monday to run for a second term. The governor's decision is not a surprise, though until now, he had not officially said whether or not he would pursue a second term.

Christie's decision was first reported by the AP.

Christie, who unseated Democrat Jon Corzine in 2009, is one of the most recognizable faces in the Republican Party. The outspoken governor has been oft-mentioned as a possible 2016 presidential candidate and was reportedly on Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate short list earlier this year. Christie was recently tapped to lead the Republican Governors Association in 2014, ramping up speculation that he would run for reelection.

It's not yet clear who Christie's Democratic opponent will be, but the name receiving the most attention is Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D). Booker is mulling a bid and his decision-making process was pushed back by the impact of Superstorm Sandy on the Garden State. Booker is also believed to be considering a 2014 Senate run.

If Booker runs, the New Jersey governor's race would instantly become the highest profile statewide contest of 2013. Christie's once discouraging polling numbers have improved, and though he is running in a Democratic-leaning state, Republicans believe he is in a strong position to wage a solid reelection bid.

Booker would be the Democratic frontrunner if he decides to run. Other Democratic names being mentioned as possible Christie opponents include former governor Dick Codey (now a state senator) and state Sen. Barbara Buono, who has said she wants to take on Christie.