Controversial real estate mogul Donald Trump has swept to victory in Nevada’s crucial Caucuses .
The 69-year-old billionaire reality TV star has now won three of the four early nominating states, after convincing wins in South Carolina and New Hampshire. He came second in Iowa Caucus which was won by Ted Cruz.
With this win, Trump, who entered politics only last June, has consolidated his position ahead of his two major Republican presidential candidates — Cruz and Marco Rubio — who are now vying for the second position.
The winning projections by major US media outlets including CNN and Fox news came within minutes of the end of Nevada Caucus. The projections were based on initial results and exits polls.
Trump had support of 42 per cent of the votes counted followed by 24.5 per cent by Cruz and 21.2 per cent by Rubio, the networks projected.
The Republicans now look ahead to Super Tuesday on March 1 when 11 states are due to hold contests and could have a decisive impact on the Republican nomination for the White House.
Nevada Caucus registered a record number of people.
