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An audience of 1,900 people gave the Republican a standing ovation when he took the oath of office, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. But Christie got his loudest applause when he clasped hands with Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Senate President Steve Sweeney.

The handshakes are "a symbol for our citizens of all that is possible in a future that demands that who gets the credit finally takes a back seat to doing something worth getting credit for", Christie said.

Christie is the first Republican governor elected in New Jersey since Christie Whitman won a second term in 1997. Since 1970, neither party has held on to the governor's office for more than two consecutive terms.

Promising to reduce taxes and spending and to cut the state's "deep deficit", Christie said he would sign an executive order immediately to make the budget process more open.

"Our people are dispirited and wondering if our best days are truly still ahead of us", he said.

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