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Trump Maintains Lead in Republican Presidential Race

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new CNN/ORC poll has found that billionaire Donald Trump is solidifying his lead in the Republican Party's presidential nomination, with 39% of support among GOP candidates competing in the 2016 presidential race. Trump has a 21-point lead over Senator Ted Cruz, who gains 18% of support. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Senator Marco Rubio are now tied for third place with 10% of support, while New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has gained 5%. Trump's standing is bolstered by Republican supporters' belief that he can best handle the top issues facing the nation, including the economy, illegal immigration, and fighting the Islamic State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Donald Trump maintains a 21-point lead over Senator Ted Cruz with 39% of support among GOP candidates.
  • Trump's lead is fueled by Republican supporters' belief that he can best handle the top issues facing the nation, including the economy, illegal immigration, and fighting the Islamic State.
  • Ted Cruz gains 18% of support, a two-point increase since the last poll.
  • Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Senator Marco Rubio are tied for third place with 10% of support.
  • New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has gained 5% of support.
  • All other seven GOP candidates garner less than 5% of support in the poll.
  • Trump's supporters are largely non-college-educated voters, with nearly half (46%) of Republican voters without a degree supporting him.
  • U.S. President Barack Obama has criticized Trump's campaign, stating that the billionaire is "exploiting" the blue-collar fears at a time of economic hardship.
  • Trump has retained his lead despite making controversial statements on sensitive issues of race, women, and immigration.

Statistics:

  • 39% of support among GOP candidates for Donald Trump.
  • 21-point lead over Sen. Ted Cruz.
  • 18% of support for Sen. Cruz.
  • 10% of support for Ben Carson and Marco Rubio.
  • 5% of support for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
  • 46% of non-college-educated Republican voters support Donald Trump.
  • 27% of college-educated Republican voters support Donald Trump.
  • 57% of Republican voters believe Trump can do the best job on the economy.
  • 55% of Republican voters believe Trump can handle illegal immigration best.
  • 47% of Republican voters prefer Trump on fighting the Islamic State.

Sources:

  • CNN/ORC poll cited in the Xinhua news article.
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (2015).
  • Xinhua (December 23, 2015) via COMTEX.
  • NPR News (Monday) cited in the Xinhua news article.

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