Chris Christie Joins ABC News As Contributor

Chris Christie

Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie has landed a TV gig, NJ Advance Media has learned.

Christie has been hired as an occasional contributor to ABC News, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The hiring is scheduled to be announced Tuesday on "Good Morning America" during the 7 a.m. hour, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Christie will return in the evening to comment on President Donald Trump's the State of the Union speech. The former governor is a longtime Trump friend and fellow Republican.

Christie was chosen because he is close to the president and the players inside the White House, a source said. ABC News is gearing up coverage for the midterm elections in Washington, and value his perspective on Trump voters.

A network spokeswoman declined to comment.

The Washington Post reports Christie was reportedly chosen because of his friendly relationship with President Trump and members of his administration. Christie’s ties to Trump could prove useful to the network as it prepares to cover midterm elections, beginning March 6 in Texas and ending Sept. 18 in Massachusetts. With thousands of Republican and Democratic candidates facing off in several levels of government across the country for spots on the November ballot, Christie could provide a glimpse into what Trump voters are thinking.