With Rubio out, one less challenger for Trump in Republican race

Tuesday’s primary elections in Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio saw big wins for the Democratic and Republican frontrunners, strengthening their leads.

Republicans hoping to upset Donald Trump’s rise to the top of the presidential primary race were disappointed Tuesday when he took home wins in four of five states holding primary elections. Democrat Hillary Clinton beat opponent Bernie Sanders in all five democratic primaries as well Tuesday, further solidifying her lead over the Vermont senator.

Trump beat Florida Sen. Marco Rubio by a significant margin in his home state, prompting Rubio to suspend his campaign. But Trump faced an upset in Ohio, where Gov. John Kasich managed to secure a win and all 66 of the states delegates.

“I want to remind you again tonight that I will not take the low road to the highest office in the land,” Kasich said during his victory speech in Ohio, referring to Trump’s often inflammatory campaign rhetoric that has drawn criticism from people across the political spectrum.

Even as a growing number of leaders in the Republican Party come out against Trump, candidates like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Rubio and Kasich have been unable to gain significant ground against the businessman.

“The window is closing right now for this ‘Stop Trump’ movement,” said Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter on Tuesday.

See the results from last night and the previous state primarieshere.  

primary — a preliminary election in which registered political party voters nominate candidates for office and choose delegates to attend their party’s convention

delegates — individuals chosen to represent their state at the Republican and Democratic party conventions where each party selects its presidential candidate