Individuals included in this section have their own Wikipedia page and either formally announced their candidacy or filed as a candidate with Federal Election Commission (FEC) (for other than exploratory purposes).

They withdrew or suspended their campaigns at some point after the Iowa caucuses on February 1, 2016.

The following individuals participated in at least one authorized presidential debate but withdrew from the race before the Iowa caucuses on February 1, 2016.

Individuals in this section formally announced a bid for the nomination of the Republican Party, and filed with the FEC to be a candidate, but were not featured in any major opinion polls, and were not invited to any televised presidential primary debates.

(2005–2015) The following people were the focus of presidential speculation in multiple media reports during the 2016 election cycle but did not enter the race.