Washington: Bernie Sanders is on the verge of running away with the Democratic Party's presidential nomination after the self-declared democratic socialist crushed his opponents in the Nevada caucuses.

Sanders' victory in Nevada followed a win in New Hampshire primary and virtual tie in Iowa earlier this month, confirming his status as the clear frontrunner in the race.

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders celebrates his Nevada result with his wife Jane, at a campaign event in San Antonio. Credit:AP

With polls showing the 78-year-old ahead in electorally-powerful states such as California and Texas, it is becoming increasingly possible he will have the nomination locked down by Super Tuesday on March 3.

NBC News declared Sanders the winner in Nevada early on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT) with just 4 per cent of the results counted, projecting that he would win twice as many votes as his nearest rival.