"The early March 5 caucus date will give Kentuckians a voice before most other states, during a time when Republican candidates are actively competing for support from voters," Brown said. "We are excited that 11 candidates will participate and we welcome their attention."
How much attention the candidates show the state remains to be seen.
Presidential voting begins with the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 1, and it's far from clear how many candidates will still be running after the early nominating contests begin winnowing the field.
There is no mechanism for a candidate to remove his or her name from the Kentucky caucus ballot even though it's unlikely the full field will still be in the hunt for the nomination.
Kentucky's caucus comes after the traditional early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada go to the polls and just days after the so-called "SEC primary" occurs, when many Southern states, including Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Georgia, join Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Vermont in voting.
Kansas, Louisiana and Maine will all hold their nominating contests on the same day as Kentucky.
Registered Republicans will be able to vote at their local caucuses between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on caucus day, but only 111 of the state's 120 counties will have caucus locations.
Republican voters in Carlisle, Knott, Trimble, Estill, Owsley, Harlan, Livingston, Morgan and Elliott counties will be able to participate at the caucus location in a neighboring county.
Paul sought the caucuses as a way to work around a state law preventing a candidate from appearing on the same ballot twice. He will seek re-election to his Senate seat during the state's traditional May primary election.
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaks during a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. Nati Harnik Associated Press
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks during a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. Nati Harnik Associated Press
CAMPAIGN AD: Mike Broihier announces his run for Senate
Proposed bill to define 'sanctuary city,' forbid cities from becoming sanctuaries