AP
Republican presidential candidate, businessman Donald Trump, speaks at an event sponsored by the Greater Charleston Business Alliance and the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce.
About 23.5% of likely Republican voters in the poll said they prefer Trump as the Republican Party's nominee. Trump leads retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, who each received about 13% support. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), at 9%, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), at 8%, round out the top five in the poll.
The poll contained some familiar warning signs for Trump going forward - namely, that voters do not view him in much of a favorable light. Just 27% of voters overall see him favorably, while 61% said they have an unfavorable view of the real-estate magnate.
By comparison, Carson was viewed favorably by 40% of respondents, and unfavorably by 32%. Fiorina's favorability split, meanwhile, is 38-32.
"Despite topping the Republican ballot test, Trump's overall favorability numbers should be of concern to his campaign," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston.
"Trump is the Jekyll and Hyde candidate-strong when among conservative voters but viewed much differently once Democrats and independents are in the mix."
Overall, Trump's standing has jumped about 6 points from the same survey in July, despite a growing perception that his support has leveled off in recent days. The 23% number is about in line with averages of other recent national polls, according to Real Clear
Carson and Fiorina have also surged when compared to the last Suffolk/USA Today survey - they recorded 4% and 1% support, respectively, in the July poll. Other recent surveys have shown Carson in a closer contest with Trump.
Here's a full look at where the candidates stand:
- Trump: 23%
- Carson: 13%
- Fiorina: 13%
- Rubio: 9%
- Bush: 8%
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas): 6%
- Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky): 2%
- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: 1%