Poll: Jeb Bush Leading Republicans For 2016

As 2015 gets ready to roll in on Thursday, a new CNN poll shows former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is leading Republicans in a potential 2016 run for the White House.

Jeb Bush is the clear Republican presidential frontrunner, surging to the front of the potential GOP pack following his announcement that he's "actively exploring" a bid, a new CNN/ORC poll found.

He takes nearly one-quarter — 23% — of Republicans surveyed in the new nationwide poll, putting him 10 points ahead of his closest competitor, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who tallied 13%.

Physician Ben Carson comes in third, with 7% support, and Sen. Rand Paul and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee are both tied for fourth with 6%.

Bush announced his official exploration for a presidential run earlier this month and said he will make a decision about running by the end of the year or in early 2015. Late last week, Bush voluntarily released thousands of emails during his time as governor on a variety of local and national issues.