PROVIDED he complies with rule 40 that states that the candidate must win a minimum of 8 states with a majority ( greater than 50% ). The longer both Cruz and Rubio stay in, it may be hard to get that.
The primary rules, new rules, favor Trump. They were changed to favor an early front-runner to avoid the long drag-out of Romney’s nomination.
It would be even harder for Trump if not for them. He’s the beneficiary. If he can’t win a majority under this schedule...
The rule requires winning a majority of the candidates from 8 states,
it does not require winning a majority of the votes.
As of right now, Trump has 5 and Cruz has 1.
Majority of delegates, not popular vote.
Majority of delegates, which is why the upcoming winner-take-all states combined with the winner-take-most states will ensure a first-ballot nominee. Trump wins Florida and Ohio, along with his SC win gives him 3 of 7 before we're halfway through the primary season ... it's yuuuuge. It's also over.
RULE NO. 40
Nominations
"(b) Each candidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States shall demonstrate the support of a majority of the delegates from each of eight (8) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of that candidate for nomination. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these rules or any rule of the House of Representatives, to demonstrate the support required of this paragraph a certificate evidencing the affirmative written support of the required number of permanently seated delegates from each of the eight (8) or more states shall have been submitted to the secretary of the convention not later than one (1) hour prior to the placing of the names of candidates for nomination pursuant to this rule and the established order of business"