Ted Cruz leads Donald Trump by double-digit percentage points in Wisconsin, according to a new poll.
Marquette University’s polling results leaked online ahead of their formal release show Cruz earning the support of 40 percent of those surveyed, followed by Trump at 30 percentage points and John Kasich at 21 points.
The poll represents a vast change in public opinion as RealClearPolitics’ average of Badger State polling placed Cruz and Trump neck-and-neck at 33 and 32 percentage points, respectively.
But the Marquette poll showed Trump is broadly unpopular in the state. Approximately 70 percent of respondents viewed Trump unfavorably. The poll reveals that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is viewed more favorably in the state than any of the remaining GOP presidential candidates, which suggests his recent endorsement of Cruz could help sway undecided voters.
Following the Badger State’s primary on April 5, Wisconsin will send 42 delegates to the Republican convention this summer awarded on both a winner-take-all and proportional basis. The winner of the popular vote will pick up 15 delegates, while others will be chosen in the state’s individual congressional districts.
Both Cruz and Trump are campaigning across Wisconsin on Wednesday as they look to build the support necessary to secure delegates across the state. Marquette’s poll surveyed 1,405 likely voters, including 392 Republicans, 451 Democrats, and 513 independents from March 24-28.
