Loses Wisconsin primary to Cruz by 13 points, blames 'entire party apparatus'

Trump suffered a decisive defeat in the Wisconsin Republican primary on April 5, 2016, losing to Ted Cruz by 13 percentage points (48% to 35%). Despite being the nationwide frontrunner, Trump failed to connect with Wisconsin's conservative voters and faced unified opposition from conservative talk radio hosts and the state GOP establishment, including Governor Scott Walker. Rather than accept responsibility, Trump issued a defiant campaign statement blaming 'Lyin' Ted Cruz' for having 'the Governor of Wisconsin, many conservative talk radio show hosts, and the entire party apparatus behind him.' The loss raised serious questions about Trump's path to securing a majority of delegates and fueled speculation about a contested convention.

"Lyin' Ted Cruz had the Governor of Wisconsin, many conservative talk radio show hosts, and the entire party apparatus behind him." — Campaign statement released on April 5, 2016 after losing the Wisconsin primary