Friday Afternoon Update: Childhood TV star running for Congress, Russia and China naval drills, Top Dem has message for Biden’s 2024 primary challengers

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click here.

Russia And China To Conduct Indian Ocean Naval Drills

Russia and China will conduct naval drills in the Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa next month. The naval exercises — which will take place on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — highlight the push by Russia and China to gain more global influence. South Africa, which will also take part in the drills, has been vocal in its refusal to side with the West in condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, claiming neutrality.

James Clyburn Warns 2024 Challengers To Stay Out Of Race

Influential senior Democrat James Clyburn of South Carolina said this week that he believes President Biden will run in 2024 and warned would-be-challengers to stay out of the race.

Texas And Oklahoma Sue Biden Administration

The states of Texas and Oklahoma have sued the Biden administration, saying they…