DALLAS — The year after a midterm election is one of the most important times on the political calendar.
Next year is especially intriguing.
Before the end of 2023, we’ll know the candidates for the 2024 GOP presidential race, and whether President Joe Biden will seek reelection.
Here are some things to watch for in 2023.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Will Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis challenge Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination?
Former President Donald Trump has launched another campaign for the White House. Next year we’ll see if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, popular with many conservatives, will challenge Trump for the GOP nomination.
Other candidates are expected to get into the contest, including former Vice President Mike Pence. Sen. Ted Cruz, the last Republican standing against Trump in the 2016 contest, could make another run for president. A 1959 law would allow him to run for reelection to his Senate post and president at the same time.
A crowded 2024 GOP presidential field favors Trump, who remains popular with many Republican voters.
Will Trump be indicted?
The House Jan. 6 committee finished its investigation of the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot and recommended the Department of Justice bring federal criminal charges against Trump.
It’s the first time in American history that such a referral to the Justice Department has been made for a former president.
Now it’s up to the Justice Department, already deep into its investigation of the riot, to take action against Trump, or not.
The issue of bringing charges against Trump could be complicated by his run for the presidency.
We’re in uncharted territory and many of the questions could be answered in 2023.
Will Joe Biden seek reelection?
As Republicans sort out their presidential drama, next year we’ll find out whether Biden will seek another term.
Biden, 80, is the oldest president in U.S. history. He’s said he intends to run for reelection, but an official announcement has not been made. If he doesn’t run again, Democrats could have a wild, competitive primary featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and an array of other contenders.
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