Joe Biden wins crucial Florida primary in race for Democratic nomination

18 March 2020, 00:12

Joe Biden easily won the Florida primary on Tuesday, building on a remarkable surge as he powers toward the Democratic presidential nomination.

The former vice president's victory was another blow to Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, whose early strength has evaporated as African Americans and working-class white people across the country side with Mr Biden.

But Tuesday's primaries demonstrated the tremendous uncertainty confronting the Democratic contest as it collides with efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus that have shut down large swaths of American life.

Polls were shut in Ohio even as voting moved forward in Florida, Illinois and Arizona, where some voters and elections officials reported problems.

Mr Biden was soon afterwards also declared the winner in Illinois, further extending his lead over Mr Sanders.

More to follow...