BILLINGS – A high-profile race for a state Senate seat representing Billings was decided by four votes.
Democratic Rep. Kendall Van Dyk edged incumbent Republican Sen. Roy Brown 3,106 votes to 3,102 after a hand recount by Yellowstone County officials Monday.
Both sides combined to spend more than $200,000 campaigning for the seat and Gov. Brian Schweitzer stepped in to help defeat Brown, who ran against him for governor in 2008.
Brown and Van Dyk shook hands after the votes were tallied. Van Dyk said he would represent all voters in Senate District 25.
Van Dyk held an eight-vote margin before the recount.