Chris Christie Running in 2016 to 'Change the World'

Declaring he's "out to change the world," New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie officially launched his 2016 campaign for the White House Tuesday.

Speaking in the gymnasium of his old high school, Christie told supporters that his political career has been defined by "fighting for fairness and justice and opportunity."

Now he's hoping to do the same as the nation's commander in chief.

"America is tired of hand-wringing and indecisiveness and weakness in the Oval Office," Christie said. "We need to have strength and decision-making and authority back in the Oval Office."

"That is why today I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination for president of the United States of America," the two-term governor declared.

Christie's White House bid comes more than a year after weathering a scandal involving a politically motivated bridge closure.

More recently, however, the 52-year-old has realized at least one political triumph, with his turn as head of the Republican Governors Association being widely viewed as a success in the 2014 midterm elections.

Christie's hoping that success will continue on what he hopes "is going to be a really noble and successful effort to try to lead our country and to change the world."