Donald Trump has extended his lead in the Republican nomination race after sweeping primaries in Mississippi and Michigan.
The real estate mogul comfortably beat Texas Senator Ted Cruz into second place in Mississippi and enjoyed a similarly healthy lead in Michigan over Ohio Governor John Kasich.
Speaking at a rally in Jupiter, Florida, he said: "Ted Cruz is interesting because he's always saying 'I'm the only one that can beat Donald Trump'.
"I've heard it so many times. And I said 'but he never beats me'. Ted is going to have a hard time when it comes to some states."
Mr Cruz did hit back with a win in Idaho on Tuesday night, but Florida Senator Marco Rubio performed badly and was not projected to win any delegates in Mississippi or Michigan.
The victories mean Mr Trump has won 14 states in the nomination race, despite coming under intense criticism from Mr Cruz and Mr Rubio and other Republican officials who fear he will damage the party's chances in the presidential election.
His win in Michigan - which held the most delegates on the night - could set Mr Trump up for a decisive day of voting on 15 March in the delegate-rich states of Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina.
Republican contests in Florida and Ohio award the winner with all the state's delegates, meaning that if Mr Trump wins both states he could knock Mr Rubio and Mr Kasich out of the race.
Voters were also choosing their candidates in Hawaii.
On the Democrat side, front runner Hillary Clinton comfortably won Mississippi as her appeal with black voters continued following a big win in Louisiana over the weekend.
The former Secretary of State will pick up at least 21 of the 36 delegates up for grabs in the southern state as she builds on the lead she has established over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
But Mr Sanders triumphed in Michigan - the night's biggest prize - with a narrow victory, despite polls giving Mrs Clinton a strong lead before the contest.
Heading into Tuesday night, Mr Trump lead the Republican field with 384 delegates. Mr Cruz was in second with 300, Mr Rubio has 151 and Mr Kasich trails with 37.
Nominees need 1,237 delegates to secure the Republican party nomination.
Among Democrats, Mrs Clinton had 1,134 delegates compared to Mr Sanders' 502, including super-delegates. Nominees need 2,383 delegates to win.
The nomination contest will continue on Saturday, with Republicans voting in the District of Columbia caucus.
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