Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rand Paul
Discover the career path of Rand Paul, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Rand Paul is an American politician and the junior United States Senator from Kentucky since 2011. A Republican, he identifies as a constitutional conservative and a supporter of the Tea Party movement. Paul is known for his libertarian-leaning views, which are often compared to those of his father, Ron Paul, a former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate. He advocates for limited government, individual liberties, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. Paul has been a vocal critic of government spending, surveillance programs, and military interventions, often taking stances that differentiate him from mainstream Republican positions.
1964: Civil Rights Act Controversy
During his 2010 campaign, Rand Paul's comments on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stirred controversy.
1984: Aided father's campaign
In 1984, Rand Paul took a semester off to aid his father's campaign in the Republican primary for the 1984 U.S. Senate election in Texas.
1988: Earned Doctor of Medicine degree
In 1988, Rand Paul earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Duke University School of Medicine.
1991: Founded North Carolina Taxpayers Union
In 1991, Rand Paul founded the North Carolina Taxpayers Union.
June 1993: Valid Medical License
Since June 1993, Rand Paul's medical license has been valid continuously, with no board actions.
1993: Moved to Bowling Green and became a licensed physician
After completing his residency, Rand Paul moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1993, where he has been an "active, licensed physician" since.
1993: Practicing ophthalmologist
In 1993, Rand Paul began practicing as an ophthalmologist in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
1994: Founded Kentucky Taxpayers United
In 1994, Rand Paul founded the anti-tax organization Kentucky Taxpayers United (KTU).
1995: Maintained ABO certification
From 1995 to 2005, Rand Paul maintained his own ABO certification.
1995: Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
In 1995, Rand Paul was certified to practice by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO).
1996: Managed father's campaign
In 1996, Rand Paul managed his father's successful congressional campaign.
1998: Joined Graves Gilbert Clinic
In 1998, Rand Paul joined a private medical group practice, the Graves Gilbert Clinic, in Bowling Green.
1999: Incorporated the National Board of Ophthalmology
In 1999, Rand Paul incorporated the National Board of Ophthalmology (NBO) to offer an alternative certification system.
2000: NBO Dissolved
In 2000, Rand Paul did not file the required paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State's office for the NBO's renewal to operate, and it was legally dissolved.
2002: KTU stopped issuing ratings
In 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported that KTU had stopped issuing ratings and report cards after 2002 and had been legally dissolved in 2000.
2005: Maintained ABO certification
From 1995 to 2005, Rand Paul maintained his own ABO certification.
2005: NBO Recreated
In 2005, Rand Paul recreated the National Board of Ophthalmology (NBO).
2008: Grayson Admission
Although Grayson was considered the frontrunner in July, Paul found success characterizing Grayson as a "career politician" and challenging Grayson's conservatism. Paul ran an ad in February that made an issue out of Grayson's 2008 admission that he voted for Bill Clinton when he was 20 years old.
2008: Campaigning for father
In 2008, Rand Paul campaigned for his father during the elder Paul's run in the 2008 presidential election, including door-to-door campaigning in New Hampshire.
2008: Formed private practice
In 2008, Rand Paul formed his own private practice in Bowling Green.
September 2009: Report on KTU ratings
In September 2009, Rand Paul claimed that KTU published ratings each year on state legislators' tax positions.
2009: Founded Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic
In 2009, Rand Paul founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic to provide eye surgery and exams for those who cannot afford to pay.
2009: Drafted as potential candidate
In early 2009, some supporters of Rand Paul's father sought to draft Rand in a bid to replace Republican U.S. senator Jim Bunning.
April 26, 2010: James Dobson Endorsed Grayson
On April 26, 2010, James Dobson initially endorsed Rand Paul's opponent, Grayson, based on the advice of "senior members of the GOP".
2010: Elected to U.S. Senate
In 2010, Rand Paul was elected to the U.S. Senate.
2010: Wall Street Journal report
In 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported that KTU had stopped issuing ratings and report cards after 2002 and had been legally dissolved in 2000.
2010: Campaign Manager Hired
In March 2013, Jesse Benton, Rand Paul's 2010 campaign manager, was hired by Mitch McConnell as his own campaign manager.
2010: General election campaign
In the 2010 general election, Rand Paul faced Kentucky attorney general Jack Conway, with significant outside contributions influencing the race.
January 5, 2011: Sworn into Senate
On January 5, 2011, Rand Paul was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, along with his father who was simultaneously in the House of Representatives.
April 2011: Paul files for re-election to Senate seat
In April 2011, Rand Paul filed to run for re-election to his Senate seat in 2016, potentially creating a conflict with running for president. State law would have prohibited him from simultaneously running for re-election if he became the Republican presidential (or vice-presidential) nominee.
2011: Became US Senator for Kentucky
In 2011, Rand Paul began serving as the junior United States senator from Kentucky.
2011: Co-authored The Tea Party Goes to Washington
In 2011, Rand Paul co-authored a book entitled "The Tea Party Goes to Washington".
2011: NBO Dissolved Again
In 2011, Rand Paul's recreated National Board of Ophthalmology (NBO) was again dissolved.
2011: Proposed budget with $542 billion in defense spending
Shortly after being elected, in 2011, Rand Paul proposed a budget specifying $542 billion in defense spending.
June 2012: Endorsed Mitt Romney
In June 2012, Rand Paul endorsed Mitt Romney for the 2012 presidential election after it became clear that Romney would be the Republican nominee, but later voiced disagreements with Romney's policies.
2012: Authored Government Bullies
In 2012, Rand Paul authored the book "Government Bullies".
January 2013: Paul considered as presidential candidate
Since at least January 2013, Rand Paul was considered a potential candidate for the Republican nomination for the presidency of the United States.
February 13, 2013: Paul delivers Tea Party response to Obama's State of the Union address
On February 13, 2013, Rand Paul delivered the Tea Party response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.
March 2013: Threatened filibuster and endorsed Mitch McConnell
In March 2013, Rand Paul, with Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, threatened a filibuster against expanding federal gun control measures. Also in March 2013, Paul endorsed fellow Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell's 2014 re-election campaign after McConnell hired Paul's 2010 campaign manager, Jesse Benton.
April 11, 2013: Filibuster Attempt on Gun Control Measures
On April 11, 2013, Rand Paul, along with Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, attempted a filibuster opposing legislative proposals to expand federal gun control measures. The filibuster was dismissed by cloture in a 68–31 vote.
2013: Introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act
In 2013, Rand Paul introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act to legalize industrial hemp cultivation at the federal level.
2013: Introduced the Justice Safety Valve Act
In 2013, Rand Paul introduced the Justice Safety Valve Act to provide judges with greater sentencing flexibility.
2013: Filibuster on John O. Brennan Nomination
On March 6-7, 2013, Rand Paul filibustered to delay the vote on John O. Brennan's nomination as Director of the CIA. Paul questioned the Obama administration's drone policy and its legal justification for potential use within the U.S., holding the floor for 12 hours and 52 minutes. He sought a pledge that non-combatants would not be targeted on U.S. soil, and Attorney General Eric Holder affirmed that the President is not authorized to deploy extrajudicial punishment without due process against non-combatant citizens. The filibuster ended with a cloture vote, and Brennan was later confirmed.
February 2014: Filed class action lawsuit
In February 2014, Rand Paul joined FreedomWorks in filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government's bulk collection of phone records metadata, arguing it violates the Fourth Amendment.
March 2014: Kentucky Senate passes bill to allow Paul to run for both Senate and President
In March 2014, the Republican-controlled Kentucky Senate passed a bill that would allow Rand Paul to run for both offices simultaneously. However, the Democratic-controlled Kentucky House of Representatives declined to take it up.
April 2014: Paul insists GOP broaden its appeal at GOP Freedom Summit
In April 2014, during a speech at the GOP Freedom Summit, Rand Paul insisted that the GOP has to broaden its appeal in order to grow as a party.
December 2014: Supported Cuba policy change
In December 2014, Rand Paul supported the Obama administration's policy changes towards Cuba, including easing trade restrictions.
2014: Paul Launches "Hillary's Losers" Social Media Campaign
During the 2014 election, Rand Paul launched a social media campaign titled "Hillary's Losers" to highlight Democratic candidates who lost their U.S. Senate bids despite endorsements from Hillary Clinton.
2014: Blocked treaty and received award
In 2014, Rand Paul blocked a treaty with Switzerland that would enable the IRS to conduct tax evasion probes, citing concerns about Americans' privacy. He also received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Center for the National Interest for his public policy work.
2014: Gave a speech at the University of California, Berkeley titled "The N.S.A. vs. Your Privacy"
In 2014, Rand Paul gave a speech at the University of California, Berkeley titled "The N.S.A. vs. Your Privacy", where he spoke against warrantless surveillance of Americans.
2014: Introduced various criminal justice reform acts
In 2014, Rand Paul introduced the Civil Rights Voting Restoration Act, REDEEM Act, FAIR Act, and RESET Act, focusing on criminal justice reform.
2014: Introduced the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment
In 2014, Rand Paul introduced the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, focusing on states' rights regarding cannabis legislation.
2014: Paul campaigns to flip Kentucky State House
In 2014, Rand Paul spent his own campaign money in the legislative elections to help Republican candidates for the State House in hopes of flipping the chamber, but the Democrats retained their majority.
2014: Endorsed Mitch McConnell
In March 2013, Rand Paul endorsed fellow Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell's 2014 re-election campaign.
April 7, 2015: Paul announces presidential candidacy
On April 7, 2015, Rand Paul officially announced his candidacy for President of the United States, raising $1 million within a day.
May 20, 2015: Spoke against Patriot Act Reauthorization
On May 20, 2015, Rand Paul spoke for ten and a half hours against the reauthorization of Section 215 of the Patriot Act.
2015: Called for a defense budget of $697 billion
In 2015, Rand Paul called for a defense budget of $697 billion.
2015: Introduced the CARERS Act
In 2015, Rand Paul introduced the CARERS Act to legalize medical cannabis at the federal level and the Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act to allow cannabis businesses increased access to banks.
2015: Introduced various acts related to law enforcement and criminal justice reform
In 2015, Rand Paul introduced the Police CAMERA Act, Stop Militarizing Our Law Enforcement Act, and MERCY Act, focusing on law enforcement and criminal justice reform.
2015: Spoke against PATRIOT Act renewal
In 2015, Rand Paul spoke for ten and a half hours on the Senate floor against renewing provisions of the PATRIOT Act, citing constitutional concerns.
February 3, 2016: Paul suspends presidential campaign
On February 3, 2016, Rand Paul announced the suspension of his presidential campaign, shortly after finishing in fifth place in the Iowa caucus.
February 2016: Opposed Obama's Supreme Court Nominee
In February 2016, specifically on February 15, Rand Paul indicated he would oppose any nomination by President Obama to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
May 6, 2016: Called on to stop blocking tax treaties
On May 6, 2016, President Obama called on Rand Paul to stop "blocking the implementation of tax treaties that have been pending for years", arguing that they assisted law enforcement in offshore investigations into tax evasion.
2016: Candidacy for Republican nomination
In 2016, Rand Paul was a candidate for the Republican nomination in the U.S. presidential election.
2016: Opposed US support for Saudi intervention in Yemen
In 2016, Rand Paul was among the first members of Congress to oppose United States support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.
2016: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 2016, Rand Paul was re-elected to a second term in the U.S. Senate.
2016: Russian interference in the 2016 election
In 2016, shortly after 12 Russian intelligence officers have been charged with hacking and leaking emails of senior Democrats, Rand Paul described the Special Counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election as a "witch hunt on the president".
January 25, 2017: Introduced Affordable Care Act replacement bill
On January 25, 2017, Rand Paul introduced a bill seeking to replace the Affordable Care Act, including a $5,000 tax credit per person and not requiring everyone to have coverage.
March 2017: Introduced Stop Arming Terrorists Act
In March 2017, Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act to prohibit the use of United States government funds to provide assistance to certain terrorist organizations and countries supporting them. Also in March 2017, Senator John McCain accused Paul of being an agent of Vladimir Putin after Paul objected to adding Montenegro to NATO.
April 2017: Questioned Syria Missile Strike
In April 2017, Rand Paul questioned President Trump's missile strike to Syria, stating that further action should require congressional authorization.
May 2017: Signed letter urging withdrawal from Paris Agreement
In May 2017, Rand Paul was one of 22 senators who signed a letter urging President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.
June 2017: Tried to block weapon sales to Saudi Arabia
In June 2017, Rand Paul attempted to block the Trump administration's plan to sell more weapons to Saudi Arabia.
October 2017: Threatened to vote against Republican budget
In an October 2017 interview, Rand Paul confirmed he would not vote for the Republican budget in the Senate unless billions in spending were removed from the plan.
2017: Introduced the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act
In 2017, Rand Paul introduced the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act to encourage states to reform bail policies.
2017: Affordable Care Act repeal and replacement
Throughout March 2017, Rand Paul was actively involved in the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, including demanding to see a copy of the House's bill, speaking with President Trump, and accusing House Speaker Paul Ryan of misleading portrayals.
February 2018: Voted against immigration framework
In February 2018, Rand Paul was one of fourteen Republican senators to vote against an immigration framework proposed by President Trump that called for $25 billion for border security in exchange for a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million immigrants brought into the US illegally.
April 2018: Criticized U.S.-Saudi Arabia alliance
In April 2018, Rand Paul criticized the U.S.-Saudi Arabia alliance, stating that Saudi Arabia has funded radical madrassas and supplied arms to ISIS in the Syrian civil war.
April 2018: Voted for the confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State
In April 2018, Rand Paul voted for the confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, reversing his previous stance due to Pompeo's hawkish foreign policy beliefs.
July 2018: Described Special Counsel investigation as a 'witch hunt'
In July 2018, shortly after 12 Russian intelligence officers were charged with hacking and leaking emails of senior Democrats, Rand Paul described the Special Counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election as a "witch hunt on the president".
August 2018: Voted with Trump the least
FiveThirtyEight found that by August 2018, Rand Paul had voted with Donald Trump's positions the least out of all Republicans, only voting with him 74% of the time.
August 2018: Traveled to Moscow and met with Russian senators
In August 2018, Rand Paul traveled to Moscow and met with several Russian senators, including Sergey Kislyak.
December 2018: Supported President Trump's decision to pull US army out from the Syrian Civil war
In December 2018, Rand Paul supported President Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. army from the Syrian Civil War, citing concerns about arms sent to Syrian rebels ending up in unfriendly hands.
December 2018: Played down campaign finance violations
In December 2018, following court filings implicating President Trump in campaign finance violations, Rand Paul downplayed the alleged violations and said that they should not be "over-criminalized."
2018: Called for investigation of National Science Foundation grant
In 2018, Rand Paul called for an investigation of a National Science Foundation grant used to educate meteorologists about climate change, labeling it as propagandizing rather than science.
2018: Cosponsored the STATES Act
In 2018, Rand Paul cosponsored the STATES Act, focusing on states' rights regarding cannabis legislation.
2018: Introduced the Pregnant Women in Custody Act
In 2018, Rand Paul introduced the Pregnant Women in Custody Act to protect the health and safety of pregnant women in prison.
January 2019: Condemned Mitt Romney's criticism of Trump
In January 2019, Rand Paul condemned Senator Mitt Romney for writing an editorial criticizing President Trump, stating that it was bad for the country and the Republican Party.
May 2019: Opposed subpoena of Donald Trump Jr.
In May 2019, Rand Paul opposed the Senate Intelligence Committee's decision to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. to testify about his involvement with Russians during the 2016 presidential campaign.
2019: Paul votes against Trump's demand for emergency border funding
In 2019, Rand Paul was one of 11 Republicans to vote against Donald Trump's demand for "emergency border funding".
January 2020: Criticized U.S. airstrike on Baghdad
In January 2020, Rand Paul criticized the U.S. airstrike on Baghdad International Airport that resulted in the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, asserting it would increase tensions.
January 2020: Tweeted about climate alarmist predictions and creating atmospheres on moons/planets
In a January 2020 tweet, Rand Paul responded to climate alarmist predictions by suggesting humans will likely survive for millions of years and should focus on creating atmospheres on moons or planets.
April 2020: Volunteered at a hospital
In April 2020, after recovering from COVID-19, Rand Paul began volunteering at a hospital in Bowling Green to assist in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky.
June 2020: Paul voted with Trump's position 70% of the time
As of June 2020, according to FiveThirtyEight, Rand Paul had voted with President Trump's position on congressional issues 70% of the time, the second lowest among all Republican senators.
July 1, 2020: Senate rejected Paul's amendment to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan
On July 1, 2020, the Senate rejected Rand Paul's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would have mandated the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan within a year.
September 2020: Paul Votes Against COVID-19 Aid Package
In September 2020, Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the COVID-19 aid package introduced by Mitch McConnell, citing concerns about the debt it would create.
2020: Held up bipartisan legislation to make lynching a federal crime
In 2020, Rand Paul held up bipartisan legislation aimed at making lynching a federal crime, seeking clarification on the definition of lynching concerning non-fatal injuries.
2020: Introduced the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act
In 2020, Rand Paul introduced the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act to increase the THC limit of hemp from 0.3% to 1%.
2020: Introduced the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act
In 2020, Rand Paul introduced the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act to end the use of no-knock warrants.
January 2021: Paul questions constitutionality of Trump's impeachment
In January 2021, Rand Paul questioned the constitutionality of Donald Trump's second impeachment trial, arguing it was unconstitutional because Trump had already left office. He introduced a motion to the Senate declaring the impeachment unconstitutional, which was defeated.
February 3, 2021: Paul named ranking member of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
On February 3, 2021, Rand Paul was named a ranking member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
February 13, 2021: Paul votes against impeaching Trump
On February 13, 2021, Rand Paul formally voted against the charges in the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
May 28, 2021: Voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the 2021 United States Capitol attack
On May 28, 2021, Rand Paul voted against the creation of an independent commission to investigate the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack.
2021: Co-sponsored the FDA Modernization Act 2.0
In 2021, Rand Paul and Senator Cory Booker co-sponsored the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which aimed to eliminate the requirement of animal testing for drugs in development before human trials.
May 12, 2022: Stopped vote on $40 billion aid bill for Ukraine
On May 12, 2022, Rand Paul halted a vote on a $40 billion spending bill for aid to Ukraine, objecting to the size and frequency of such spending.
May 2022: Paul blocks $40 billion Ukraine aid bill
In May 2022, Rand Paul blocked a bipartisan bill providing $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, demanding a special inspector general be appointed to oversee the spending.
December 2022: FDA Modernization Act 2.0 signed into law
In December 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, co-sponsored by Rand Paul, was signed into law, eliminating the requirement of animal testing for drugs in development before commencing human trials.
2022: Introduced acts to clarify and reschedule drugs
In 2022, Rand Paul introduced the Right to Try Clarification Act and the Breakthrough Therapies Act to clarify access to Schedule I drugs and reschedule certain drugs based on FDA designations.
2022: Won a third term
In 2022, Rand Paul won a third term in the U.S. Senate.
March 2023: Paul blocks Hawley's TikTok ban bill
In March 2023, Rand Paul blocked Senator Josh Hawley's "No TikTok on United States Devices Act", which aimed to ban the app TikTok in the U.S., citing First Amendment concerns and arguing it wouldn't necessarily protect user data.
October 10, 2023: Publication of 'Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up'
On October 10, 2023, Rand Paul published "Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up" with Regnery Publishing.
January 11, 2024: Paul announces anti-endorsement against Nikki Haley
On January 11, 2024, Rand Paul announced that he had a major announcement about the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries planned for the following morning. He then delivered an anti-endorsement against Nikki Haley, launching a website called "Never Nikki."
January 2024: Voted for a resolution to apply human rights provisions to Israel military assistance
In January 2024, Rand Paul voted for a resolution proposed by Bernie Sanders, to apply the human rights provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act to Israel military assistance.
November 2024: Voted against Sanders' joint resolution regarding foreign military sale to Israel
In November 2024, Sen. Paul voted against Sen Sanders' joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.
2025: Criticized Trump's statement on Gaza strip occupation
In 2025, after Donald Trump's announcement about "taking over the Gaza strip," Rand Paul criticized the statement on Twitter (now X), emphasizing the need for Israelis and Palestinians to pursue peace themselves.
2027: To become Kentucky's senior senator
In 2027, Rand Paul is expected to become Kentucky's senior senator upon Mitch McConnell's retirement from the Senate.
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