Encyclopedia · Biography
Rand Paul
American ophthalmologist and U.S. senator from Kentucky
Personal details
- Full name
- Randal Howard Paul
- Born
- January 7, 1963 · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Parents
- Ronald Ernest “Ron” Paul; Carol Wells Paul
- Education
- Baylor University (attended, no undergraduate degree completed); Duke University School of Medicine, M.D. (1988)
- Spouse
- Kelley Ashby Paul
- Children
- Robert, Duncan, and William
- Religion
- Christian; official biography describes family church involvement
- Profession
- Ophthalmologist, Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Political party
- Republican
- Public service
- U.S. Senate (2011– )
Randal Howard “Rand” Paul (born 1963) is an American physician and Republican politician representing Kentucky in the U.S. Senate since 2011. He won the Republican Senate nomination in 2010 during a series of Tea Party-associated primary elections.
Family, education and medical career
Paul was born in Pittsburgh to Ron Paul, who later served in Congress, and Carol Wells Paul. He studied at Baylor University without completing a bachelor’s degree, then was admitted to Duke University School of Medicine, graduating in 1988. He completed an ophthalmology residency at Duke. After relocating to Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1993, Paul maintained an ophthalmology practice, founded a charitable eye clinic and performed volunteer eye care.
Political activity and 2010 election
Paul was involved in his father’s congressional and presidential campaigns and organized Kentucky Taxpayers United in the 1990s. In 2010 he defeated Kentucky secretary of state Trey Grayson in the Republican Senate primary and won the general election. Senator Jim DeMint supported his candidacy during 2010; contemporary reporting distinguishes that support from DeMint’s earlier endorsements in other races.
Senate career and family
Paul took office in January 2011 and was reelected in 2016 and 2022. His legislative work includes federal spending, civil liberties, public health and oversight. He and his wife Kelley have three sons; his official Senate biography describes ongoing medical volunteer activities.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.