US News

Zuckerberg to hold fund-raiser for Chris Christie

Republican Governor Chris Christie has a very famous fan in the traditionally Democratic stronghold of Silicon Valley — Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg will hold a fund-raiser for Christie next month at the tech titan’s home in Palo Alto, California, according to Buzzfeed.

The unlikely allies first met on Oprah Winfrey’s couch with Newark Mayor Cory Booker back in 2010 when Zuckerberg announced that he would be donating $100 million to Newark’s schools.

During the time the trio worked together, Zuckerberg came to admire Christie and approached the governor’s campaign as it ramped up his 2013 reelection bid, according to Christie strategist Michael DuHaime.

“Mark and Priscilla expressed interest in supporting the governor for re-election, and he’s gratified to have their help,” DuHaime said.

Zuckerberg’s fund-raiser for Christie is the first overtly public indication of his political leanings.

Officially registered without a party preference, Zuckerberg attended a dinner with President Obama and other tech titans in 2011. Facebook also livestreamed a town hall at the company’s headquarters in the run up to the 2012 election.