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Republican Rand Paul isnt ready to start his expected presidential campaign, but hes definitely running for re-election to the Senate, settling off a potential battle over Kentucky election law.

Mr. Pauls re-election plans were announced Wednesday after a daylong series of meetings with his political advisers in Washington, D.C.

Team Rand had a very successful day of meetings, which focused on fundraising performance, grassroots engagement, communications, outreach and other areas of interest, read a written statement from Mr. Pauls spokesman Sergio Gor. Although a decision on a presidential run wont occur until the spring, Sen. Paul made clear he will be running for re-election to the U.S. Senate.

Kentucky law prevents candidates from appearing twice on the same ballot. The Republican-led state Senate passed a bill that would have allowed Mr. Paul to run simultaneously for president and the Senate, but the Democratic-controlled House has not followed suit.

Greg Stumbo, the Democratic speaker of the House, said the state constitution bars lawmakers from passing special legislation that would benefit only one person. He added, Im not a fan of Sen. Paul, and Im not eager to see my country turned over to him.

Kentucky Republicans said there are a few ways Mr. Paul may be able to get around the state law. The state party could change its nominating contest from a primary to a caucus, so that the twice-on-one-ballot rule is not triggered. Or, Mr. Paul could decline to participate in the states presidential primary in May, which is unlikely to have a major impact on the nomination. Theres plenty of time for the situation to resolve itself legislatively, legally or politically, said Republican consultant Scott Jennings.

Todd Inman, a Republican activist in Owensboro, said he didnt expect any local backlash to Mr. Paul seeking both re-election and the presidency. Kentuckians would love to see a president from their state, and if Rand is willing to try, they will back him, Mr. Inman said.

Mr. Pauls decision sets up a potential contrast with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who has indicated that he will not seek re-election if he runs for president. Florida law also prohibits candidates from running for two offices at the same time. I think thats the right law, Mr. Rubio said during an April 2 interview on the Hugh Hewitt radio show. As for running for president, he added, I think by and large, when you choose to do something as big as that, youve really got to be focused on that and not have an exit strategy.

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Rand Paul Re-Election Bid Highlights Hurdle in Kentucky Law