President Joe Biden's public approval ratings have remained steady this winter following dismal numbers last spring and summer. Biden's uptick came after several legislative victories and with Democrats withstanding a "red wave" in the midterm elections.

As inflation eases and the new 118th Congress convenes, Biden's numbers could drastically change into the new year.

Biden began his term with high numbers, typical for incoming presidents. In April 2021, 61% of registered voters approved of Biden's overall job performance, according to a Hill-HarrisX poll.

By the middle of 2021, his numbers had fallen into the red with some polls showing just a 47% approval rating. Biden's numbers continued to trickle downwards through the end of 2021 and into the first half of 2022. Some of his lowest ratings were this past June when his approval dropped as low as 36%.

Biden would then mount a comeback and the numbers have improved in the final months of 2022.

An Economist/YouGov poll conducted from Dec. 17-19 showed Biden with a 47% approval rating and 49% disapproval rating. From Dec. 29-Jan. 2, right-leaning Rasmussen showed Biden with the same approval rating, holding steady at 47%.

But some polls show Biden continues to struggle. A Politico survey found that 43% of voters approve of Biden's job performance while 54% disapprove. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Dec. 19-20, Biden's approval remains lower at 39% with a 55% disapproval rating.

An important year lies ahead for Biden. He will still have a Democrat-controlled Senate but Republicans have regained control of the House. There are looming concerns about a recession and Russia's war with Ukraine has not slowed down.

These issues may have a strong impact on whether Biden seeks re-election. Due to Biden's age — he turned 80 years old on Nov. 20 — there had been rumblings of the former vice-president only serving one term before he had even clinched the Democratic nomination.

Over a quarter of Americans cited the economy and unemployment as the most important problems facing the U.S., while healthcare, immigration and the environment trailed behind, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Biden's fate may also be linked to his predecessor, as former President Donald Trump, who may face criminal charges in 2023 for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot, remains a frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

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