Christopher holds a bachelor's degree in history from West Virginia University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Christopher previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney and trial team supervisor for the Richland County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. He also worked as an adjunct faculty member at North Central State College and as an associate attorney at the law firm, L. Ray Jones, Attorney at Law.

Christopher R. Tunnell currently serves as the Ashland County Prosecutor. He was named to this position in 2014 and is serving his 2nd full term. He serves as chairperson of the Ashland County Republican Party in Precinct 4B. He previously served as chairperson of the Ashland County Republican Party's Executive Committee and Central Committee.