Ron Paul Takes Step Toward 2012 Presidential BidRep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) announced Tuesday that he is forming a presidential exploratory committee to kick-start his 2012 bid for the White House. Friends Read FreeSaveRepublican Texas Rep. Ron Paul announces to supporters that he's forming a campaign exploratory committee, as he decides whether or not to seek the Republican nomination for president, on April 26 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Steve Pope/Getty Images)By Helena Zhu4/27/2011Updated: 10/1/2015Print