According to the results of the latest Monmouth University poll surveying voters identifying as Republican or independents leaning toward the GOP, Trump earned 41 percent, nearly tripling the support of his closest rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who took 14 percent.
Donald Trump’s support is up from 28% in October. In second was the rising Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, at 14%; followed by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, at 10%. Ben Carson was at 9%, down 9 points from October, and all other candidates were in the low single digits.
These results come despite several controversial statements on Muslims, Mexicans and women. Nevertheless, the candidates are heading into their next Republican debate on Tuesday in Las Vegas.