WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The new poll shows 23 percent of voters favor Trump among Republican-leaning voters. Trump’s support is even higher among registered Republican voters.
“Businessman Donald Trump surged into the lead for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, with almost twice the support of his closest rival [Jeb Bush],” the Washington Post reported on Monday.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has lost support among Republican-leaning voters, with his poll numbers dropping to only 13 percent.
According to the latest data, support for Trump increased by six-fold from May to July 16-19, 2015, when the latest polls were taken.
Trump experienced a leap in support, despite controversial comments he made on Saturday against US Senator and former prisoner of war in Vietnam, John McCain.
The early polling results will play a role in Republican bid for the 2016 nomination. Fox News announced in May that it would limit the Republican debate to the top ten presidential candidates based on their average ranking in national polls.
The Republican presidential field currently has 32 candidates vying for the nomination and two potential candidates who may join the race.
