Cruz’s lead expands dramatically in a head-to-head contest with Trump. If Kasich were to drop out before the primary, 47.8 percent of respondents say they would back Cruz, compared to just 36.2 percent for Trump.
Wisconsin is expected to be a crucial contest in the race for the Republican nomination, as Trump looks to expand his lead, Cruz clings to diminishing prospects to unseat him as the frontrunner, and Kasich seeks to consolidate enough support to keep his bid relevant ahead of a potential contested Republican convention.
The contest will be an open primary, meaning members of any political party can participate. Seventy-two percent of Free Beacon poll respondents were registered Republicans.
The Free Beacon survey shows Cruz with the largest lead he’s had in the state. An Emerson poll released on Wednesday showed him leading Trump by one point. Every other survey since Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker withdrew from the race showed Trump or neurosurgeon Ben Carson in the lead, according to RealClearPolitics.
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