NEW YORK- Republican Donald Trump is emerging from Wisconsin as a damaged front-runner following a crushing loss to rival Ted Cruz. It's a significant setback that deepens questions about the businessman's White House qualifications and pushes the GOP contest toward a rare contested convention fight.

After months of dominating the Republican race, Trump suddenly finds himself on the defensive. He's struggled through a series of missteps, including his campaign manager's legal issues after an altercation with a female reporter and his own awkward explanation of his position on abortion.    

Democrat Bernie Sanders also scored a sweeping victory in Wisconsin's primary that gives him a fresh incentive to keep competing against Hillary Clinton. But Sanders still lags Clinton significantly in the delegate count. However, he's expected to take home another victory in the Wyoming primary caucuses on Saturday.

Clinton and Sanders are now both turning their attention to the April 19 contest in New York. A loss there would be a major political blow for Clinton, who represented the state for eight years in the Senate.