With the GOP poised to take over the Senate and strengthen its control of the House in January, all eyes are now turning to 2016's presidential race. And while Democrats have a single strong contender - paging Hillary Clinton - the Republican side remains up in the air.

The Hill recently listed what 16 possible presidential contenders in what one strategist described as the "most open field we've ever seen."

Here's the likely contenders in the class of 2016:

First String

Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) - One of the most recognizable names in the field, Paul he's comfortable in front of the camera and has the policy chops to back it up. It helps to be seen as a somewhat of an outsider, too.

Gov. Chris Christie (N.J.) - Christie is still a name to be reckoned with even as his image has taken hits from his own home state.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (Fla.) - There's no better name recognition than "Bush." He has the family legacy on his side, but faces tough questions from GOP stalwarts on his immigration stands.

Ready to take the field



Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee - The favorite among staunch conservatives, Huckabee has become more well-known through his Fox News show. Did well in 2008, could do ever better in 2016.

Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) - Cruz has proven successful at getting his conservative message out to voters. He's likely to do well in his own home state and throughout the South.

Second string



Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) - The freshman Senator from Florida has already said he thinks he has the experience to be president but could see his star power drained by Bush, another possible contender from Florida.

Gov. Scott Walker (Wisc.) He doesn't bring one of the well-recognized names, but Walker is a conservative dark horse.

Gov. Rick Perry (Texas) - Perry is another candidate that could show some resurgence, but as The Hill puts it, may "have whiffed on his best chance at the White House in 2012, when the group of candidates was considerably weaker."

Dr. Ben Carson - The internet was abuzz recently as Dr. Ben Carson seemed poised to announce an official run for the White House. A conservative favorite, he's a vocal critic of President Obama and there's a strong push to see a political outsider somewhere on the ticket.

Backups

Some other names that are getting bandied about:

Gov. Mike Pence (Ind.)

Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)

Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio)

Gov. John Kasich (Ohio)