In 2008, there were 10 Republicans and eight Democrats competing to succeed George W. Bush in the White House.
This year, Hillary Clinton has cemented her roll as the prohibitive Democratic favorite, but no fewer than 16 Republicans have emerged in the most wide-open nomination race in decades.
- The declared -
- Marco Rubio: The 44-year-old US senator from Florida, elected in 2010, is the son of Cuban immigrants and speaks fluent Spanish. He advocates muscular foreign policy and US military re-engagement in the world.
- Ted Cruz: The senator from Texas, also 44, is an excellent orator, former lawyer, and flagbearer of arch-conservative causes.
- Rand Paul: A first-term senator like Rubio and Cruz, the 52-year-old Kentuckian represents the party's libertarian wing. His election strategy includes drawing support from African-Americans and Hispanics.
- Ben Carson: A retired neurosurgeon who has never held public office, the conservative Tea Party favorite, 63, is the only African-American in the race.
- Mike Huckabee: The former Arkansas governor, preacher and television host makes his second presidential run. Huckabee, 59, hopes to capitalize on his rural evangelical following.
- Carly Fiorina: Hewlett-Packard's ex-CEO spent millions from her personal fortune in an unsuccessful 2010 Senate bid. Fiorina, 60, is the only Republican woman running.
- Rick Santorum: The 57-year-old former senator from swing-state Pennsylvania and champion of the religious right won Iowa caucuses in 2012 but ultimately lost the nomination. He is again casting himself as fighting for blue-collar Americans.
- George Pataki: The three-term governor who guided New York through the 9/11 attacks in 2001 launched his campaign Thursday. Pataki, 69, casts himself as a moderate who can overcome "partisan division."
- The all-but-declared -
- Jeb Bush: Florida's ex-governor is son and brother to two presidents. He is the Republican most open to immigration reform. While not officially a candidate, the 62-year-old's network has raised vast sums of money.
- Scott Walker: Wisconsin's governor, 47, earned notoriety for busting public unions, and claims other conservative accomplishments including tax cuts and legalizing concealed carry of firearms.
- Rick Perry: The three-term former governor of Texas flamed out of the 2012 race. This time he cites his lengthy governing experience and lashes younger rivals for lacking it.
- Chris Christie: The blunt-talking New Jersey governor, 52, wants to reform the tax system, broaden national energy policy and "re-establish American leadership" worldwide.
- John Kasich: This 63-year-old fiscal conservative is governor of politically crucial Ohio. He has national security experience, having served on the House Armed Services Committee.
- Bobby Jindal: The Louisiana governor, 43, is son of Indian immigrants. Wonkish on policy, he has become chief advocate for repealing national educational standards.
- Lindsey Graham: This foreign policy hawk, 59, would be the fourth Senate Republican to run should he launch his campaign as expected June 1.
- Donald Trump: "The Donald," 68, is America's opinionated business-tycoon and brusque TV personality. He has threatened to run for president before.
In 2008, there were 10 Republicans and eight Democrats competing to succeed George W. Bush in the White House.
This year, Hillary Clinton has cemented her roll as the prohibitive Democratic favorite, but no fewer than 16 Republicans have emerged in the most wide-open nomination race in decades.
– The declared –
– Marco Rubio: The 44-year-old US senator from Florida, elected in 2010, is the son of Cuban immigrants and speaks fluent Spanish. He advocates muscular foreign policy and US military re-engagement in the world.
– Ted Cruz: The senator from Texas, also 44, is an excellent orator, former lawyer, and flagbearer of arch-conservative causes.
– Rand Paul: A first-term senator like Rubio and Cruz, the 52-year-old Kentuckian represents the party’s libertarian wing. His election strategy includes drawing support from African-Americans and Hispanics.
– Ben Carson: A retired neurosurgeon who has never held public office, the conservative Tea Party favorite, 63, is the only African-American in the race.
– Mike Huckabee: The former Arkansas governor, preacher and television host makes his second presidential run. Huckabee, 59, hopes to capitalize on his rural evangelical following.
– Carly Fiorina: Hewlett-Packard’s ex-CEO spent millions from her personal fortune in an unsuccessful 2010 Senate bid. Fiorina, 60, is the only Republican woman running.
– Rick Santorum: The 57-year-old former senator from swing-state Pennsylvania and champion of the religious right won Iowa caucuses in 2012 but ultimately lost the nomination. He is again casting himself as fighting for blue-collar Americans.
– George Pataki: The three-term governor who guided New York through the 9/11 attacks in 2001 launched his campaign Thursday. Pataki, 69, casts himself as a moderate who can overcome “partisan division.”
– The all-but-declared –
– Jeb Bush: Florida’s ex-governor is son and brother to two presidents. He is the Republican most open to immigration reform. While not officially a candidate, the 62-year-old’s network has raised vast sums of money.
– Scott Walker: Wisconsin’s governor, 47, earned notoriety for busting public unions, and claims other conservative accomplishments including tax cuts and legalizing concealed carry of firearms.
– Rick Perry: The three-term former governor of Texas flamed out of the 2012 race. This time he cites his lengthy governing experience and lashes younger rivals for lacking it.
– Chris Christie: The blunt-talking New Jersey governor, 52, wants to reform the tax system, broaden national energy policy and “re-establish American leadership” worldwide.
– John Kasich: This 63-year-old fiscal conservative is governor of politically crucial Ohio. He has national security experience, having served on the House Armed Services Committee.
– Bobby Jindal: The Louisiana governor, 43, is son of Indian immigrants. Wonkish on policy, he has become chief advocate for repealing national educational standards.
– Lindsey Graham: This foreign policy hawk, 59, would be the fourth Senate Republican to run should he launch his campaign as expected June 1.
– Donald Trump: “The Donald,” 68, is America’s opinionated business-tycoon and brusque TV personality. He has threatened to run for president before.
