Carson Closes Gap on Trump in Poll

Dr. Ben Carson is introduced to the crowd during the Eagle Forum's Eagle Council Event on Sept. 11, 2015 in St. Louis.

The two political newcomers are dominating the GOP field

Riding a wave of momentum, Ben Carson gained on Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in a new presidential primary poll that crystallizes the two political newcomers’ dominance of a crowded GOP field.

The New York Times/CBS News poll released Tuesday showed Trump maintaining his national lead with 27%. Carson was the choice of 23% of respondents, up from just 6% in a similar CBS News survey taken before the first GOP debate.

The remainder of the GOP field is closely bunched. Former Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas earned 6% in the poll, as did Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz notched 5%, while businesswoman Carly Fiorina got 4%. Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul were the choice of 3% of respondents. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie got 1%.