Cruz wins Wisconsin primary
Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is projected to win the Wisconsin primary, moving the GOP closer to a contested convention.
Cruz’s victory will energize the anti-Trump Republicans, many of whom have pointed to Wisconsin as a potential turning point in the race.
{mosads}Trump had a bad week leading up to the Tuesday primary. He spent several days backpedaling on a question about abortion and defending his campaign manager, who was charged with battery for allegedly grabbing a reporter.
Trump also spent the last week attacking popular Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who endorsed and campaigned for Cruz.
Trump’s loss shows he’s vulnerable even in states with open Republican primaries that allow Democrats and independents to vote. Trump has previously thrived in contests with similar rules.
But while Cruz’s Wisconsin victory has made it tougher for Trump to win the nomination outright, the businessman could still make it to the 1,237 delegates needed.
Trump is the heavy favorite to win the next GOP primary, in his home state of New York on April 19. There are 95 delegates up for grabs there, and Trump will be competing to take them all.
Cruz will automatically be awarded 18 of Wisconsin’s 42 delegates by virtue of being the statewide winner. The remaining 24 are apportioned through winner-take-all contests at the congressional district level.
Trump entered Tuesday with 737 delegates, Cruz with 475 and John Kasich with 143, according to The Associated Press.
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