Hollandsworth wins, will face Laas

Rep. Roy Hollandsworth, R-Brady, withstood a challenge Tuesday from a Hingham farmer and aviator in his bid to remain in the state House of Representatives.

Hollandsworth defeated Darrold Hutchinson 1,230 to 714.

He now faces Democratic Chester farmer Rob Laas in the general election Nov. 4. Laas, who was unopposed in the primary, received 508 votes.

Hollandsworth is running for his fourth term but in a new district. Redistricting shifted his area to include Hill County, which previously had been in other districts, in House District 27.

That massive district stretches from just outside of Great Falls through Chouteau County up to the Canadian border in Liberty and western Hill counties.

Hollandsworth won handily in Chouteau County, 730-229, but lost in Hill County. Voters here favored Hutchinson 221-89. Hollandsworth edged Hutchinson in Liberty County 332-200, and took the slice of Cascade County in the new district, 79-64.