Sanders opens 12-point lead nationally: poll

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersBiden's win is not a policy mandate — he should govern accordingly On The Money: House Democrats to renew effort to obtain Trump's tax returns | How Biden might use executive power to advance economic agenda Sirota: Claims that The Lincoln Project swayed the election for Biden 'absolutely absurd' MORE (I-Vt.) has opened a 12-point lead nationally in the Democratic presidential primary race, according to a new poll. 

Sanders has 31 percent support in the NPR–PBS NewsHour–Marist poll released early Tuesday, pushing him into the top spot, which had been held by former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump: New York won't receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately Biden considering Yellen as possible Treasury secretary: report Obama hits Trump for refusing to concede, says there's 'no legal basis' for challenges MORE. 

Sanders’s support shot up 9 points since last month’s poll, following his victory in the New Hampshire primary. 

Biden’s support, however, decreased by 9 points, to 15 percent, in the new survey. Biden’s downturn pushed him into third place, behind former New York City Mayor Michael BloombergMichael BloombergSanders celebrates Biden-Harris victory: 'Thank God democracy won out' Kellyanne Conway calls it inappropriate for Biden campaign to say he'll be next president: 'We're still counting votes' Winners and losers from 2020's election MORE, who surged into second place with 19 percent. 

Bloomberg’s support increased by 15 points since last month’s poll. The billionaire, who is self-funding his campaign, also qualified for Wednesday night's debate with his performance in the survey. 

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenElizabeth Warren slams Justice Alito over 'nakedly partisan' speech Biden's win is not a policy mandate — he should govern accordingly On The Money: House Democrats to renew effort to obtain Trump's tax returns | How Biden might use executive power to advance economic agenda MORE (D-Mass.) had a 5-point decrease to 12 percent support, based on the new poll. Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP senators say Biden deserves intel briefings l Biden speaks with Democratic leaders about COVID l Where the Georgia runoffs stand Senate majority battle snags Biden Cabinet hopefuls Senate Democrats reelect Schumer as leader by acclamation  MORE (D-Minn.) had a 5-point increase to 9 points following her third-place finish in the New Hampshire primary. 

Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegBiden's win is not a policy mandate — he should govern accordingly Pavlich: Hollow calls for unity Sunday shows - Biden win reverberates MORE, who appears to be leading the field in the delegate count, is closely trailing Klobuchar at 8 percent support, a 5-point decrease in one month. 

No other candidates registered at more than 2 percent support. 

The poll surveyed 527 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents and was conducted Feb. 13–16. There is a margin of error of 5.4 percentage points.