Here are intriguing political questions that will be answered in 2023

What will Texas lawmakers prioritize during Legislative session? There were no surprises in this year’s statewide elections. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was elected to a third term, along with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Republicans retained control of all of the executive offices and both chambers of the Legislature. A big issue is how lawmakers will spend the projected $27 billion surplus. Republican leaders have promised property tax reductions.

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.