Republican Rand Paul drops out of US presidential candidate race

Republican Senator Rand Paul is dropping his 2016 campaign for US president.

Campaign spokeswoman Eleanor May confirmed the move to The Associated Press.

Mr Paul and his appeals to reject American political dynasties and “to take our country back” was ultimately overshadowed by billionaire Donald Trump.

The son of former Republican Ron Paul was elected in the conservative tea party-driven wave of 2010 and often disagreed with Republican leaders.

Mr Paul notably opposed the US government’s use of drone strikes against suspected terrorists.