DES MOINES, the United States - So far in this US presidential election cycle, there are 11 Republicans competing for the party's presidential nominee, while the Democratic field is much smaller with only three candidates. Here's a look at key Republican and Democratic contenders in this year's presidential race.

Key Republican candidates:

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in the Orpheum Theatre during a campaign event in Sioux City, Iowa January 31 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

Donald Trump

For the past six months, the New York billionaire developer and reality TV celebrity has been dominating the crowded Republican field with no apparent match, at least according to polls.

Appealing to disaffected Republicans across the board, Trump embraced controversial positions that would otherwise end candidacy for other establishment candidates.

Son of Fred Trump, a wealthy real estate mogul, Donald Trump's brash personality and wealth had for long made him one of the most well-known figures in the country.