A Mike Huckabee 2016 Presidential Bid Would Boost Pressure in Race

Potential Candidates Tied to GOP’s Social Conservative Wing

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee ’s announcement that he is weighing another presidential campaign ramps up pressure on other potential candidates tied to the social conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum , retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are among Mr. Huckabee’s possible rivals to be the top choice of evangelical voters who typically play a significant role in GOP primaries.

The large and diverse pack of potential 2016 contenders also includes Republicans who represent the mainstream party establishment, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , and those from the tea-party movement, such as Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

The sweep of the field is pushing Republicans anxious to pin down financial and grass-roots support to raise their hands, as Mr. Bush did three weeks ago when he announced the formation of a political committee to “actively explore” a White House bid.

Mr. Huckabee told viewers of his Fox News show on Saturday night that he is leaving the network after more than six years and would make a decision on a 2016 campaign in late spring.

A Jan. 24 forum organized by Iowa Rep. Steve King looms as the first big test of Mr. Huckabee’s appeal in the state where he won the Republican caucuses in 2008. Texas Gov. Rick Perry , along with Messrs. Christie, Cruz, Carson and Santorum, also are scheduled to attend the Des Moines event.

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