Rising political stars on the right and left: 12 people to watch in 2023

The new year and new Congress add up-and-coming political figures, as well as familiar faces with changing roles, to the list of those who have the potential to shape the future of politics.

In no particular order, here are a dozen Republican and Democratic rising political stars to watch in 2023.

Gov.-elect Wes Moore of Maryland

Combat veteran Wes Moore made history in the 2022 midterms as the first Black governor elected in Maryland. 

Before breaking onto the political scene, Moore was a best-selling author and CEO of Robin Hood Foundation, an anti-poverty nonprofit organization. Following his election, Moore was nominated as finance chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

Endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and President Joe Biden, the Democrat made a splash last cycle, winning his first ever bid for political office and remaining a clear rising figure in his party.