A federal judge in North Carolina on Thursday denied an attempt by former presidential candidate John Edwards to get criminal charges against him dismissed, clearing the way for a trial to begin next year.

U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Eagles in Greensboro ruled that the federal government’s case against the former U.S. senator can go forward, denying five motions by his legal team intended to keep the case against him from going to a jury. Still, Edwards said he was pleased with the outcome.