Christie to Headline Kyrillos Fundraiser for U.S. Senate

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will top the bill at state Sen. Joe Kyrillos' first major fundraiser since declaring his candidacy for U.S. Senate.

Tickets are $250 for Monday night's event at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel. About 500 people are expected to attend.

Kyrillos hopes to win the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez in the November elections. The incumbent is better known and far better financed, with $7 million in his federal campaign account.

Kyrillos' first financial statements are due the end of March.

A veteran lawmaker and former state GOP chairman, the 51-year-old Kyrillos has been friends with Christie for about 20 years. He chaired Christie's successful gubernatorial campaign in 2009, which was considered an upset in Democratic-leaning New Jersey.