Carson now most favorable GOP candidate

Ben CarsonBenjamin (Ben) Solomon CarsonTo end homelessness, follow the science Ben Carson attended indoor fundraiser where attendees didn't wear masks: report Building the Dream: We're in This Together MORE is the most popular 2016 Republican White House hopeful, according to a new poll.

Over seven in 10 Republicans in a Washington Post-ABC News survey view the retired neurosurgeon positively. Carson earns a 71 percent favorability rating, pollsters found, with 39 percent of that total “strongly” favorable toward him.

Carson’s favorability rating is up from 68 percent in a similar poll six weeks ago.

Carson now edges out Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpHillary Clinton responds to Chrissy Teigen tweet: 'I love you back' Police called after Florida moms refuse to wear face masks at school board meeting about mask policy Supreme Court rejects Trump effort to shorten North Carolina mail-ballot deadline MORE, who scores a 69 percent favorability rating in the latest poll, released Tuesday.

The outspoken billionaire’s “strongly” favorable rating is 13 points behind Carson’s. 

Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioHillicon Valley: Big Tech hearing the most partisan yet | Rubio warns about foreign election interference | Trump campaign site briefly hacked Rubio warns that election interference may ramp up around Election Day Senate GOP to drop documentary series days before election hitting China, Democrats over coronavirus MORE (R-Fla.) ranks third with 58 percent viewing him favorably — 19 percent of that total rank him “strongly” favorable.

Jeb Bush and Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzHillicon Valley: Big Tech hearing the most partisan yet | Rubio warns about foreign election interference | Trump campaign site briefly hacked Tech CEOs clash with lawmakers in contentious hearing Trump announces intention to nominate two individuals to serve as FEC members MORE (R-Texas) rounds out the 2016 GOP field’s top five.

The poll of 263 self-identified Republicans, conducted Nov. 4-8, has a 7-point margin of error.

Carson and Trump are neck and neck for next year’s Republican presidential nomination across multiple national polls.

Trump leads Carson with 24.8 percent to the former doctor’s 24.4 percent, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average.