Political Trends for Public Affairs Professionals to Watch This Year

At the beginning of 2023, every pundit and elected official had their own opinion on what this year might bring. Political fortunes have a way of rapidly changing, especially in an ecosystem where a sudden ground shattering reputational earthquake is more the norm than an outlier.

Three months into 2023, we can confidently point to a handful of notable narratives on the national level worth watching as the year continues to unfold:

• Presidential Passions

  We know that former President Trump has thrown his hat into the ring and President Biden is likely to do the same. What comes next will fuel conversations for months to come. The Republican field could be large – with the likes of the former Secretary of State, Senators, Governors, and Ambassadors signaling or announcing potential runs – and, if for some reason Biden chooses to avoid the rigors of another campaign, the number of Democratic candidates could similarly be substantial, far beyond the one competitor currently in the race.

• Congressional Complications

  With Kevin McCarthy in the Speakership and a divided Congress, it appears that many bills will be headed to an early grave. However, with the debt ceiling and government funding on the horizon, some action will be required. In addition, the recent track record of the Senate pushing through difficult legislation could also deliver a surprise or two in 2023.

• Market Mutability

  When will a recession come – the question stumping experts for months. Economic indicators have been pointing in different directions, while consumer spending has slipped. Is 2023 when data across the board turns negative or will the U.S. sidestep what had seemed inevitable?

What does this mean for the world of public affairs?

Communicators and messengers need to remain abreast of the latest developments and, to a certain extent, a step or two ahead of the curve on trends. Moreover, with news cycles outpacing the ability of entities to respond, keeping clients prepared and armed with meticulous plans and strategies that can be rapidly activated is a necessity.