Returns to Congress after tough battle

In 1996, Paul returned to Congress after a tougher battle than he had faced in the 1970s. He was hopeful that he would be more effective in Congress after the Republicans took over both houses of Congress in the 1994 election.

His Republican primary opponent, Greg Laughlin, had support from leaders within the Republican Party, including House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Governor George W. Bush.Incumbent Laughlin had switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican side the year before, and the Republican National Committee, hoping to encourage other Democrats to switch parties, threw its full support behind Laughlin.

Despite these efforts by the national party and some of its aligned interest groups such as the NRA, challenger Paul won the primary. It was the third time he had been elected to Congress as a non-incumbent.

Paul was elected for the coastal 14th Congressional District rather than the 22nd District he had previously represented. The change in district was a result of the borders of redistricting, as Paul continued to maintain his home in Lake Jackson.

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