Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) declined the White House chief of staff role on Friday, making him the latest high-profile candidate who's no longer in the running for the influential post.

Christie and President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE reportedly met Thursday evening to discuss the role of replacing current chief of staff John Kelly John Francis KellyMORE, who will be departing by the end of the year.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It’s an honor to have the President consider me as he looks to choose a new White House chief-of-staff,” Christie wrote in a statement shared by Maggie Haberman of The New York Times on Friday. “However, I’ve told the President that now is not the right time for me or my family to undertake this serious assignment. As a result, I have asked not to be considered for this post.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The effort to name Kelly's replacement suffered a setback earlier this week when Trump's initial top pick for the job — Nick Ayers, chief of staff to Vice President Pence — turned down the offer.

A few days later, Rep. Mark Meadows Mark Randall MeadowsThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November House moves toward spending vote after bipartisan talks House Democrats mull delay on spending bill vote MORE (R-N.C.), the outgoing chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, was out of the running after having a discussion with Trump, who told him that he's needed in Congress to help defend the administration, according to a White House official.

Trump said Thursday that he was down to five finalists for the position, adding that the candidates were “mostly well known” and “terrific people.” On Friday evening, hours after Christie ruled out serving in the position, Trump named White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney Mick MulvaneyOn The Money: House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump's payroll tax deferral won't hurt Social Security Blockchain trade group names Mick Mulvaney to board Mick Mulvaney to start hedge fund MORE as his acting chief of staff.

"I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration," Trump wrote on Twitter.

I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018

Mulvaney is slated to take over at least temporarily as Trump's third chief of staff in less than two years. Reince Priebus Reinhold (Reince) Richard PriebusLeaked audio shows Trump touted low Black voter turnout in 2016: report Meadows joins White House facing reelection challenges Trump names Mark Meadows as new chief of staff MORE left the post in the summer of 2017.

Trump announced last Saturday that Kelly, who was picked for the post in July 2017, would be leaving the White House by the end of the year.

Former Trump campaign adviser David Bossie, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Energy Secretary Rick Perry Rick PerryEnergy secretary questions consensus that humans cause climate change OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump signs major conservation bill into law | Senate votes to confirm Energy's No. 2 official | Trump Jr. expresses opposition to Pebble Mine project MORE are said to among those under consideration, according to multiple news reports.

Bossie and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who recently co-authored a book, were slated to meet with Trump at the White House on Friday.

Christie was one of Trump’s opponents during the GOP presidential primary in 2016. He later endorsed Trump after dropping out.

He then served as an adviser during the campaign and headed up the transition team.

Updated at 5:43 p.m.