Trump builds lead over DeSantis in GOP primary: poll

Former President Donald Trump has surged in support among Republicans and enjoys a commanding lead in the race for the party's 2024 presidential nomination, according to a new survey.

Trump claimed 46% support from Republicans and Republican-leaning voters in the most recent Quinnipiac University poll. That metric showed him 14 points ahead of nearest rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has not announced his candidacy. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley came in third with 5% while no other candidate cleared 3%.

The university's February poll showed the former president with a more modest lead of 6% against DeSantis, with the pair earning 42% and 36% support, respectively.

The March survey included 15 candidates, though respondents largely indicated that Trump and DeSantis remain the only heavy hitters in the race. In a one-on-one matchup, Trump cemented his frontrunner status with an 11-point, 51%-40%, lead.

Conducted between March 9-13, the survey questioned 677 Republican and Republican-leaning voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%.

The results are more good news for the former president, whom polls have generally shown enjoys frontrunner status to win the GOP nomination.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.