Wisconsin primary results: Sanders and Cruz turn up the heat on rivals following big wins

Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz emerged victorious in the Wisconsin primary on 5 April, boosting the hopes of both candidates that they will be able to surpass frontrunners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to nab their respective party's nomination. Sanders won with more than a 12 point lead, while Cruz snatched the Badger State with nearly a 17 point lead.

Republicans

The Republican race was called first at 9.32pm EDT (2.32am BST), with Texas Senator Ted Cruz easily taking the win over Trump and Ohio Governor John Kasich. With just 64.1% reporting, Cruz led with 49.6% to Trump's 33.4% and Kasich's 14.6%.

In Wisconsin, Republican delegates are awarded on a "winner-takes-all" system, which means Cruz adds 42 delegates and closes the gap between himself and Trump. Prior to the primary in Wisconsin, Trump led with 737 delegates, followed by Cruz with 463 and Kasich with 143. With his latest win, Cruz jumps to 505 delegates. Republican candidates need 1,237 delegates for the nomination, with only 900 delegates still up for grabs.

While Wisconsin signifies an important win for Cruz, there are several state races ahead. The next primary state, New York, will offer a whopping 95 delegates. Those delegates will be allocated proportionally but with majority winner-takes-all triggers.

Democrats

The Democratic race was called shorty after the Republican race at 9.44pm EDT (2.44am BST), with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders earning yet another victory over Hillary Clinton. With 65.4% reporting, Sanders led Clinton 56% to 43.7%. The win in Wisconsin marks the sixth victory for Sanders in the last seven state races.

For Democrats, the Wisconsin delegates are allocated on a proportional system. Prior to the primary, Clinton led with 1,712 delegates and Sanders followed with 1,011 delegates. The large gap in delegates diminishes when superdelegates, or unpledged delegates, are not counted. Because the state awards its delegates on a proportion system, both candidates will take home some of the 86 delegates available. At the time of publishing, Sanders had taken home 44 delegates and Clinton earned 28.

Like Republicans, Clinton and Sanders will face off in New York on 19 April for the chance at 247 delegates. However, they will first meet in Wyoming on 9 April as they compete for 14 delegates. Democrats need 2,383 delegates for the nomination and there are 1,970 delegates still available before the July convention.