Reno, February 24 (RHC)-- Donald J. Trump was declared the winner of the Nevada caucuses on Tuesday night, gaining a third consecutive victory in an early-voting state and strengthening his position in the Republican camp before the wave of Super Tuesday elections, on March 1.

Trump was declared the winner on Tuesday night, and final returns put him 22 points over his nearest challenger, Marco Rubio, with Ted Cruz trailing in third place. Turnout in Nevada was reported to be high compared with previous caucuses.

Donald Trump handily won primary elections in New England and in the South, and a caucus fight in the far West. He also won over independent voters in New Hampshire and evangelicals in South Carolina, and prevailed in Nevada, where Mormon voters and rural activists wield influence.

In his victory speech, Trump said that he expected to consolidate his grip on the Republican Party as more of his competitors left the race.