Ted Cruz currently has the support of a majority of likely Republican caucus-goers in Utah. | AP Photo Cruz opens huge lead over Trump in Utah

Ted Cruz has a significant lead over his two Republican challengers in the days leading up to the Utah caucuses — and yes, that includes Donald Trump.

A Y2 Analytics survey released on Saturday shows Cruz with the support of 53 percent of likely Republican caucus-goers. If Cruz were to get at least 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s caucus, he’d capture all 40 of the state’s GOP delegates.


Ohio Gov. John Kasich came in second in the poll with 29 percent, and Trump followed him at 11 percent.

The survey also found that 64 percent of Utah Republicans believe Trump will weaken the Republican Party as its nominee. Among those who said they wouldn't support Trump in the Utah caucuses, a majority say they would be unable to vote for the GOP front-runner in November should he be the party's nominee.

Cruz has been campaigning in the state and won the endorsement of a close colleague, Utah Sen. Mike Lee. He also earned the support of 2012 nominee Mitt Romney, who told his Facebook followers on Friday that he was voting for Cruz in an effort to deny Trump a majority of delegates ahead of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Trump, meanwhile, has launched a last-minute TV ad campaign against Cruz, spending roughly $160,000 on TV ads in the state ahead of Tuesday’s contest.

Trump continued his assault on Cruz Friday night when he again accused the Texas senator of dishonesty and said “Mormons don’t like liars.” A majority of Utah residents identify as Mormon — around 62 percent, according to the latest U.S. Census figures.

He also went after Romney, hitting back by questioning the former governor’s faith during a rally in Salt Lake City on Friday night.

“Are you sure he’s a Mormon? Are we sure?” Trump asked a crowd of supporters.

The poll was conducted via land lines and cell phones, surveyed 500 likely Republican caucus-goers from Thursday through Saturday. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.