Chris Christie Hires Austin Digital Firm

WASHINGTON — An Austin digital firm signed on Wednesday with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's leadership PAC. 

Leadership Matters for America PAC hired Upstream Communications as part of its digital operation, the company said. The move could mean that the firm would be part of a presidential campaign, should Christie follow through on a run for the GOP nomination.

Upstream Communications will work with the Christie camp on website development, online fundraising and email marketing.

"We are excited to join the team at Leadership Matters for America PAC and to support their mission. We know that our nation needs leadership that focuses on results instead of rhetoric," Jon Massengale, chief operating officer of Upstream Communications, said in a statement.

"We look forward to working with the PAC to effectively spread their message and to engage voters for this critical election."

Christie is not the first GOP presidential contender to look to Austin for digital hires. GOP digital consultant Vincent Harris signed on with Rand Paul earlier this year, and the Kentucky senator recently opened an Austin office.

Upstream has several Republican clients in the Texas congressional delegation, including Sen. John Cornyn, Reps. John R. Carter of Round Rock, Bill Flores of Bryan, Michael McCaul of Austin, Pete Olson of Sugar Land and Ted Poe of Humble.