State Rep. Paul Hollis, a Republican waging a bid in Louisiana’s competitive Senate contest, withdrew his candidacy Monday.  

Hollis was running as a more conservative option to GOP Rep. Bill Cassidy, as Republicans challenge Democratic Sen. Mary L. Landrieu. His exit provides one less hurdle for Cassidy to advance to a runoff with Landrieu, but Cassidy’s main intraparty adversary remains: Rob Maness, a Sarah Palin-backed retired Air Force colonel.  

Candidates have until Aug. 22 to file the necessary paperwork for a bid. Fewer candidates in the race — no matter the party — should give Landrieu slightly better odds of avoiding a runoff.  The top-two finishers in the November jungle primary advance to a December runoff unless a candidate receives a majority of the vote. “In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to fight for candidates and causes that will move Louisiana and America forward,” Hollis said in a Monday morning statement. “Together, we can end Mary Landrieu’s liberal reign in Washington and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”  

Louisiana’s Senate race is rated a Tossup by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

Kyle Trygstad contributed to this report.