DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is in Iowa for a series of fundraisers and campaign stops in a state with the first presidential caucuses. Christie is beginning his day Thursday with a closed-door fundraiser outside Des Moines for Iowa’s Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.

He’ll then head to Cedar Rapids for a fundraiser for Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, followed by a stop at MJ’s Restaurant in Marion, where Christie is set to greet diners and talk to reporters. The day will end with a rally for Branstad at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport.

Christie has been traveling across the country as chair of the Republican Governors Association. The group has raised $60 million on Christie’s watch and gives him a platform to test a presidential run.