CBS News poll: Donald Trump leads GOP field in 2016 …
By Sarah Dutton, Jennifer De Pinto, Anthony Salvanto, and Fred Backus
Play Video
A CBS News poll shows that 26 percent of Republican voters think Donald Trump would be most likely to win the general election. While Trump conti...
Donald Trump (24 percent) leads a fractured Republican field in the race for the GOP nomination in the latest national CBS News Poll. Behind him are Jeb Bush (13 percent) and Scott Walker (10 percent).
Trump leads among a wide array of Republican primary voters. He appears to have tapped into public anger toward Washington: he holds a large lead among Republican primary voters who say they are angry. And 79 percent think Trump says what he believes, rather than what people want to hear, far higher than the other candidates tested.
Trump may be the top choice among a quarter of Republican primary voters, but there are other voters who would be less enthusiastic. At 27 percent, he tops the list of candidates Republican voters would be most dissatisfied with as the party's nominee.
Trump, Bush, Walker and Rubio are all viewed more positively than negatively, but Trump has the highest unfavorable ratings. His ratings among registered voters overall are especially negative.
Play Video
Despite regularly courting controversy, polls continue to show the billionaire leading the GOP field. Washington Post national political reporter...
Majorities of Republican primary voters are confident in Trump, Bush, Rubio and Walker to handle key issues. Trump does best on the economy and illegal immigration, while Bush does best on dealing with America's adversaries. Trump and Bush are seen as the candidates most likely to win a general election.
Just days before the Republican presidential candidates square off in their first debate, Donald Trump is in the top spot among Republican primary voters nationally - 24 percent support him as the nominee. Trump is followed by Jeb Bush (13 percent), Scott Walker (10 percent), Mike Huckabee (eight percent), Ben Carson (six percent), Ted Cruz (six percent), and Marco Rubio (six percent). Further down are Rand Paul (4 percent) and Chris Christie (3 percent). Other contenders are below three percent. Nine percent of Republican primary voters say they don't know who they want as the nominee at this point.
Among Trump supporters, the most popular second choice candidates for the Republican party's nomination are Carson, Bush, Cruz and Rubio.
Trump appeals to many factions of Republican primary voters. He leads among conservatives, Tea Party supporters, evangelicals and both men and women. Among Republican primary voters who do not consider themselves Tea Partiers, the race is closer. Bush (21 percent) performs better among this group, edging out Trump (19 percent).
Play Video
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he will not go quietly as Donald Trump divides the Republican party. Despite Trumps recent criticism of Texan ...
Also, Trump leads among Republican primary voters on both sides of the illegal immigration debate - those who support legal status for illegal immigrants in the U.S and those who think those immigrants should be required to leave the country.
Trump and Bush are also seen as the most electable in a general election. At this early stage of the campaign, 26 percent say Trump has the best chance of winning in November 2016, and 23 percent pick Bush as having the best chance. Walker comes in third here, with eight percent.
Trump may be the top choice among a quarter of Republican primary voters, but there are other voters who would be less enthusiastic about him as their party's nominee. Trump (27 percent) is the candidate Republicans would be most dissatisfied with as the party's nominee for president, followed by Bush (18 percent) and Christie (10 percent).
Twenty-five percent of voters who would be dissatisfied with Trump as the nominee are backing Bush, followed by Rubio (12 percent), Huckabee (11 percent), and Walker (10 percent).
Republican primary voters (42 percent) are more likely than their Democratic counterparts (25 percent) to be angry at how things are going in Washington, and the poll suggests that Trump has tapped into some of that anger.
Republican primary voters who are angry at Washington are currently supporting Trump (30 percent) for the nomination by a wide margin. The second most popular candidate in this category is Huckabee, with 10 percent.
One of Trump's strengths may be the perception that he says what is on his mind. The poll finds 79 percent of Republican primary voters say Trump says what he believes, rather than what people want to hear - the highest of the GOP contenders asked about. Republican voters are also inclined to say that Rubio and Walker say what they believe (although to a lesser extent than Trump), but they are divided on Bush: 46 percent think he says what he believes, but nearly as many - 44 percent- think he mostly says what people want to hear.
Play Video
The nuclear deal with Iran faced tough scrutiny from lawmakers on Capitol Hill Thursday. Secretary of State John Kerry defended the agreement bef...
Majorities of Republican primary voters nationwide express confidence in Trump, Bush, Rubio and Walker to make the right decisions on the economy, illegal immigration and dealing with America's adversaries. Seventy-one percent of these voters are confident in Trump on economic decisions, and 65 percent are confident in his ability to make decisions on illegal immigration. Sixty-eight percent of these voters are confident in Bush's ability to deal with America's adversaries. About one in five GOP primary voters don't know enough about Walker to rate him on these issues.
Bush, Rubio, Trump and Walker are all viewed more favorably than unfavorably among Republican primary voters, although Trump has the highest unfavorable rating - 38 percent - among these four candidates. He is also the most known to Republican voters - only 14 percent are undecided or don't know enough about him.
Rubio and Walker have lower unfavorable ratings and they are the least familiar to Republican voters - at this early stage in the campaign, many are undecided or haven't heard enough about each to have an opinion.
Most Republican voters' views of Trump haven't changed in the last month, but more say their opinions of him have become better (23 percent), than say worse (12 percent). However, the reverse is true among registered voters: they are more likely to say their views of Trump have worsened.
Still, among registered voters overall, both Trump and Bush are viewed more negatively than positively. Thirty percent view Bush favorably, and 40 percent do not view him favorably, and twenty-seven percent of registered voters hold a favorable view of Trump, while 59 percent hold an unfavorable view of him. Opinions on Rubio and Walker are split.
Play Video
Donald Trump leads in the polls but is he ready for the debate and will Joe Biden throw his name in? Senior Political Editor Steve Chaggaris has ...
Trump's wealth could be a positive when it comes to money and politics. Voters nationwide are more inclined to prefer a candidate who uses their own personal wealth to fund their campaign (28 percent), rather than one who raises money through donations (13 percent). Views are similar across party lines. Still, for a majority of voters - 56 percent - it doesn't matter if a candidate uses their own money or donors' money to fund their campaigns.
While most registered voters view the Republican candidates as mostly attacking each other, 46 percent of Republican voters think the candidates are mostly explaining what they would do as president; thirty-five percent say they are mostly attacking each other.
Fifty-nine percent of Americans think most immigrants to the U.S. (not specifically illegal immigrants) contribute to society rather than cause problems. Most Democrats and independents hold this view, while Republicans are divided, with 43 percent saying most immigrants contribute to the country and 42 percent saying that they cause problems.
Americans continue to think that most illegal immigrants currently in the U.S. should be able to apply for legal status, including 61 percent who support a path to citizenship. Among Republicans, more than half (55 percent) back legal status, but 41 percent think illegal immigrants should be required to leave the country.
When asked specifically about jobs, most say illegal immigrants generally take jobs that Americans don't want. Republicans (42 percent) are more likely than Democrats (18 percent) and independents (24 percent) to say illegal immigrants take jobs from Americans.
Most Americans think illegal immigrants are just as likely to commit crimes as U.S. citizens. Republicans, however, are somewhat more inclined to say illegal immigrants are more likely to commit crimes (33 percent) than U.S. citizens (11 percent).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This poll was conducted by telephone July 29-August 2, 2015 among a random sample of 1,252 adults nationwide, including 1047 registered voters. Data collection was conducted on behalf of CBS News by SSRS of Media, PA. Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard land-line and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. The margin of error for the sample of 408 Republican primary voters is 5 percentage points.
This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
CBS News GOP presidential candidates poll by CBSNewsPolitics
Read the original:
CBS News poll: Donald Trump leads GOP field in 2016 ...
- Once a foe, Lindsey Graham is now Trumps biggest Iran war booster: The most pro-war Republican out there - The Guardian - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Beth Fukumoto: Elle Cochran's Misguided Switch To The Republican Party - Honolulu Civil Beat - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- "I don't know that I'm a Republican anymore." Farmer Tim OHarrow realizes that being a farmer and a Republican dont always go hand in hand.... - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Opinion: What happened to the Republican Party of Ronald Reagan? - The Asheville Citizen Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Horsford Marks 16 Years of the Affordable Care Act, Warns of Republican Healthcare Crisis Hitting Nevada Families - Congressman Steven Horsford |... - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Will Bobby Charles lead in the Republican primary for governor last? - The Portland Press Herald - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- 2028 is the Republican Partys second chance - The Hill - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- How the Republican Party Forgot It Was Conservative - The American Prospect - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Rep. Sam Graves, a Senior House Republican, Will Retire as Midterm Exodus Grows - The New York Times - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Port: The real reason why Republican candidates are skipping the NDGOP convention this weekend - InForum - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Larson Blasts Republican Refusal to Re-Open TSA and Coast Guard, and Rein in ICE Lawlessness - Congressman John Larson (.gov) - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- New poll of Republican voters in TN shows frontrunner to replace Gov. Bill Lee, support for school choice - WSMV - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- One Republican Farmer in Wisconsin Is Bitter Over Trumps Deportations - The New York Times - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Commentary: Yes, a Republican could be California's next governor. And a recall would begin immediately - Los Angeles Times - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Fact-Checking the Debate Over the SAVE Act, the Republican Voting Bill - The New York Times - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Texas Republican not opposed to war in Iran; Wont say if he supports boots on the ground - WFAA - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Rep. Warren Davidson: A rare Republican willing to openly disagree with President Trump - Spectrum News - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Another House Republican Deals Fresh Blow to Trump - The Daily Beast - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Republican asks CPAC about impeachment hearings - and receives an unexpected response - Indy100 - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- White House hopeful fears a more damaging Republican than Trump may emerge in 2028 - NJ.com - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Republican states rush to ban abortion pills as surveys suggest they're spiking in pro-life states - Fortune - March 24th, 2026 [March 24th, 2026]
- Colorado state Republican Party struggling with leadership and organization - Colorado Public Radio - March 24th, 2026 [March 24th, 2026]
- The Republican Identity Crisis Over the Iran War - The New York Times - March 24th, 2026 [March 24th, 2026]
- A visit from a prospective Republican candidate in the June primary for Governor will be a part of this evenings Ellsworth city council meeting. -... - March 24th, 2026 [March 24th, 2026]
- Utah GOP rule aimed at party switchers may knock a convention-only Republican off the ballot - Utah Political Watch - March 24th, 2026 [March 24th, 2026]
- Republican says he lied about racist posts on porn site to protect Trump - The Guardian - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- 'Im super-Republican, but you got my vote': The Democratic deer hunter setting his sights on flipping Iowa - Politico - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Sky News Australia. . Republican strategist Ron Nehring claims it is no big surprise that there is a political polarisation in the US amid US... - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Tom Kean Jr.'s political roots date to 1776. Is that enough to protect the Republican's House seat? - AP News - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Who Will Lead The Republican Party in 2028? - Katie Couric Media - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Sky News Australia. . Republican strategist Ron Nehring does not think the US midterms will be affected by the war in Iran. - Facebook - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Arkansas Democrats delivered the Republican governor a win. Why? - Arkansas Times - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Excited to be in Yakima today to sign bills from Republican legislators 2nd year running with a bill signing in Eastern Washington. - Facebook - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Sky News Australia. . Republican strategist Ron Nehring thinks there has been a necessary shift from the Trump administration since the Middle East... - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Republican in Congress resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with Democrats - PBS - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Opinion. How did we go from Lincoln to Trump in the Republican Party? - Chillicothe Gazette - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- California Could Elect a Republican Governor Thanks to the Jungle Primary - The New York Times - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Pence: Trump upended some aspects of GOP agenda but hasnt really changed the Republican Party - 930 WFMD Free Talk - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Stephanie Grace: Why the Republican U.S. Senate candidates are debating the debates - NOLA.com - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- New Jersey (and Republican Roxbury) Versus Trump and ICE - Insider NJ - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Nearly Every House Republican Votes for Amendment That Would Slash Medicare, Social Security - Common Dreams - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- March 20, 1854 - The Republican Party is created in Ripon - WMTV 15 NEWS - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Deadline to Register to Vote in Republican Primary is April 6th - waynecountynews.net - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- This Day in History: March 20, 1854 - Republican Party founded in Ripon schoolhouse - WSAW - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Trump Judges Are Very Different Than Other Republican-Appointed Judges - Above the Law - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Exclusive / Republican bill calls for US to open financial system to Somaliland - Semafor - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Why Angus King and a Utah Republican are worried about a rural home program - The Portland Press Herald - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Republican Rep. Bacon asks for "simple, clear, unified message" from White House on the war's objectives - CNN - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own - The Atlantic - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- California governor's race Republican candidates: No love lost between Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco - ABC7 Los Angeles - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Don Tracy on why hes the best Republican for the soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat in Illinois - WBEZ Chicago - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Georgetown University Republican group sparks outrage with anti-Muslim post - NBC4 Washington - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Republican farm bill criticized as agribusiness giveaway: Pesticide industry wishlist - The Guardian - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Republican Speaker Mike Johnson says he doesn't support nation-building in Iran - NBC News - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Republican congressman files for reelection in Kansas 2nd District - Kansas Reflector - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Jeannie Evans on why shes the best Republican for the soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat in Illinois - WBEZ Chicago - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Trump-endorsed Republican advances to runoff in Georgia special election for MTGs seat - Politico - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Ones a Republican, ones a Democrat. They captain the same team - Roll Call - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Politics & periods: Planned Parenthood rally draws first-ever Republican lawmaker speaker - Kentucky Lantern - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- WATCH VIDEO | Stacy Garrity, Republican candidate for governor, talks policy and values in visit to Johnstown region - The Tribune-Democrat - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- White House Removes Republican Member of N.T.S.B. - The New York Times - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- A staffer for Republican congressman Ken Calvert was violently assaulted in Washington, D.C. Details about the suspect and motive are still limited,... - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- One House Republican in California Retires, and Another Runs as an Independent - The New York Times - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- I love this country with a soldiers passion: How one House Republican voted to buck Trump on Iran - CNN - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Republican representative Darrell Issa of California says he will not run for re-election - The Guardian - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- House Republican leaders urge Tony Gonzales to end reelection bid after admitting to affair with aide - PBS - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Rep. Gonzales remains on Republican runoff ballot after dropping reelection bid, admitting to affair - KSAT - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- DeLauro Floor Remarks Ahead of Procedural Vote on Republican Homeland Security Bill - House.gov - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Four candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Louisiana - Ballotpedia News - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Republican Darrell Issa appears to drop reelection bid in district targeted by Prop 50 - San Francisco Chronicle - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Jorge Borrego Wins Republican Nomination for State Rep. John Lujans Open Texas House Seat - thetexan.news - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Warren Davidson is a rare hard-line Republican questioning the Middle East war - Politico - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- We can bring Iran to its knees: Joni Ernst justifies war at Republican event in Concord - Concord Monitor - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Kansas Republican Party organizes April fundraiser to raffle 30 firearms in 30 days - News From The States - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Republican Party is the heir to the Confederacy - Kansan.com - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will not resign amid affair allegations - CNN - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Republican candidates for governor minus Bailey try to distance themselves - Capitol News Illinois - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Nesbitt delivers Republican response to 2026 State of the State - Michigan Senate Republicans - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Republican candidates for governor minus Bailey try to distance themselves - IPM Newsroom - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Odds for Republican Nominee After State of the Union Address - Federal News Network - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]