Childhood and Education Journey of Rand Paul in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Rand Paul. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 7, 1963: Rand Paul's birth

On January 7, 1963, Randal Howard Paul, who is now a politician and the junior United States senator from Kentucky, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Paul family move to Texas

In 1968, the Paul family moved to Lake Jackson, Texas, where Rand was raised and his father started a medical practice.

1976: Attended Republican National Convention

In 1976, Rand Paul attended the Republican National Convention, where his father headed Ronald Reagan's Texas delegation.

1981: Attended Baylor University

In the fall of 1981, Rand Paul began attending Baylor University as part of the honors program.

1984: Left Baylor University

In the summer of 1984, Rand Paul left Baylor University without completing his baccalaureate degree.

1988: Earned Doctor of Medicine degree

In 1988, Rand Paul earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Duke University School of Medicine.

1993: Completed residency

In 1993, Rand Paul completed his residency.

February 2, 2015: Remarks on vaccinations

On February 2, 2015, Rand Paul told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham that "most" vaccinations should be voluntary, sparking controversy. He suggested states should not mandate childhood vaccinations, asserting parents' freedom to choose. Later that day, in an interview with CNBC, Paul clarified he believed vaccines were "a good thing" but that parents should have input, as they, not the state, "own the children."

March 22, 2020: Tests positive for COVID-19

On March 22, 2020, Rand Paul announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was the first member of the United States Senate to test positive.

April 7, 2020: Announces recovery from COVID-19

On April 7, 2020, Rand Paul announced his recovery from COVID-19.

September 23, 2020: Clash with Anthony Fauci

On September 23, 2020, at a Senate committee hearing, Rand Paul questioned Anthony Fauci about the CDC's COVID-19 mitigation recommendations, including mask-wearing and social distancing. Paul suggested New York's high fatality rate indicated insufficient mitigation, but Fauci countered that New York's success in controlling the virus was due to adhering to CDC guidelines.

July 2021: Debate with Anthony Fauci on COVID-19 origins

In July 2021, Rand Paul debated Anthony Fauci on the origin of COVID-19 at Senate hearings. Fauci responded to Paul's allegations and called him a liar.

August 11, 2021: Disclosure of wife's investment

On August 11, 2021, Rand Paul disclosed that his wife, Kelley Paul, had purchased a stake in Gilead Sciences on February 26, 2020. Gilead Sciences manufactures an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19.

August 2021: Suspension from YouTube

In August 2021, Rand Paul was suspended from YouTube for a week for violating its misinformation policy after publishing a video with false claims about mask effectiveness. He also released a video urging people to "resist" public health measures against COVID-19.