In a significant victory for his presidential campaign, businessman and reality TV star Donald Trump claimed victory in the Missouri Republican caucuses on Tuesday, February 29, 2016. According to preliminary results, Trump secured approximately 41% of the votes, with Texas Senator Ted Cruz trailing behind with 31% and Florida Senator Marco Rubio earning 22%.
Trump’s triumph in Missouri was a crucial win, as the state’s 52 delegates are now up for grabs. The Missouri caucuses marked the sixth state where Trump has emerged as the winner, following victories in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. With this momentum, Trump is poised to strengthen his position in the race for the Republican nomination.
“We are going to make America great again,” Trump declared during his victory speech held at the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis. “This is just the beginning. We are going to win, win, win!”
The Missouri caucuses attracted a record turnout of voters, with over 76,000 Republicans casting their ballots. This surge in participation reflected the intense interest and heightened stakes of the 2016 Republican primary.
The win in Missouri came as a blow to Cruz, who had hoped to secure a decisive victory in the state. In recent weeks, Cruz had intensified his campaign efforts in Missouri, holding numerous rallies and courting conservative voters. Despite this, Trump’s message of bringing jobs back to America and his strong stance on immigration resonated with many Missourians.
Rubio, who had been hoping for a stronger showing in Missouri, finished in a distant third place. His disappointing performance in the state could potentially weaken his campaign moving forward.
According to CNN exit polls, Trump performed well among all demographic groups, including those who identified themselves as very conservative (51%), evangelical Christians (42%), and voters with a college degree (39%).
The Missouri caucus results come as the Republican primary race continues to heat up, with several crucial contests, including the March 15 primaries in Florida and Ohio, still ahead. The next round of state contests will offer another opportunity for the candidates to gain momentum and secure delegates.
1. Associated Press. “Trump Wins Missouri GOP Caucuses.” ABC News, 29 Feb. 2016,
2. RealClearPolitics. “Missouri GOP Primary 2016: Results & Delegate Count.” RealClearPolitics, 29 Feb. 2016,
3. Fox News. “Donald Trump Wins Missouri GOP Caucuses.” Fox News, 29 Feb. 2016,
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