The political arena began heating up on Facebook in 2011, and it should get even hotter next year, with a presidential election on tap.

The U.S. Politics on Facebook page offered up its own year in review, providing a month-by-month look at political highlights on the social network.

Politicians and candidates appearing on the list were:

From the U.S. Politics on Facebook year-in-review introduction:

This was a busy year for U.S. politicians on Facebook. Every major Republican presidential candidate announced his or her candidacy on Facebook, either through live streams of their speeches or through special Facebook-only video messages.

Even governors engaged with their constituents to highlight their agendas and legislative victories. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker weathered one recall election through posts on Facebook, and prepared to face another in 2012. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was particularly active, joining Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg for a Facebook Live interview. Christie also hosted his own event with Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Whether fighting for political victory or connecting one-on-one with voters, politicians made 2011 the most social year ever. As we head into 2012, Facebook users can look forward to a Facebook/NBC presidential debate and the vigor of a general election campaign sure to play out across pages, live streams, and sponsored stories.