While conservative firebrand Donald Trump still holds a considerable lead in the 2016 presidential polls, a new candidate is making unexpected gains: Deez Nuts.

A new July poll from Public Policy Polling shows Mr. Nuts, who entered the race last month, at 9 percent in North Carolina, in addition to 8 percent in Minnesota and 7 percent in Iowa.

Mr. Nuts has not filed any campaign contributions yet with the Federal Election Commission. He is filed as an independent candidate from Wallingford, Iowa, the smallest hometown of all the presidential hopefuls with a population of 197.

But Mr. Nuts has a lot of catching up to do to contend with Mr. Trump, who rose 8 points from from 16 percent to 24 percent in North Carolina in the new poll.

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