The Tennessee businessman , sports team owner , and former Knoxville mayor was re-elected to his second term as governor in November . Haslam replaces New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie to be U.S. ambassador to China after leaving office as governor of N.J. Washington (CNN) -- Haslam is known for his drama-free leadership style . Haslam 's Democratic counterpart will be elected next month .
Haslam replaces New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie to be U.S. ambassador to China after leaving office as governor of N.J. Washington (CNN) -- Haslam is known for his drama-free leadership style . Haslam 's Democratic counterpart will be elected next month .