Greg Tompkins withdraws from auditor race to lead Walla Walla County fairgrounds

Greg Tompkins is withdrawing from his race for Walla Walla County auditor to prioritize leading the fairgrounds as interim manager, his campaign shared in a news release Sunday, June 14.

Tompkins announced in February that he planned to seek the auditor position, which is up for election after the early retirement of former Auditor Karen Martin.

In May, he applied and was appointed by the Board of Commissioners to serve as interim fairgrounds manager, a new position created to lead the fairgrounds through the summer season of events and preparations for the 2026 Fair & Frontier Days.

Tompkins' temporary role started Wednesday, May 27, and will go through Sept. 30. The fair opens Wednesday, Sept. 2.

"I entered the county auditor's race because I care deeply about Walla Walla County and believe in effective, honest and accessible county government," Tompkins said. "That same commitment is what leads me to step away from the campaign at this time.

"The fairgrounds and the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days are important to families, youth, exhibitors, volunteers, businesses and visitors throughout our region. This interim role deserves my full attention, and I want to give it the focus and energy it needs," he said.

In the release, he said he intends to apply for the permanent fairgrounds manager position.

The fairgrounds manager position has been open since the former director, Greg Lybeck, separated from the county in December.

The county interviewed two candidates for the fairgrounds manager position and received other applications but was unable to fill the role. The temporary position was created to offer support through this year's fair, at which point the hiring process for the fairgrounds manager will resume.

Tompkins thanked residents for their support and said all donations made to his campaign will be returned in full.

Because Tompkins is ending his campaign after the deadline to formally withdraw on May 11, his name will appear on the primary ballot.

The three candidates campaigning to advance to the general election are incumbent Sheryl Park, Marjorie Denton Sanborn and Tim Reeves.

Tompkins said his priority is helping the fairgrounds team, volunteers and partners prepare for a well-organized fair.

"The fair is more than an event; it is a tradition that brings people together and showcases the best of our county," Tompkins said. "I am honored to help guide this work during the interim period, and I look forward to contributing wherever I can to ensure the fairgrounds remains a strong community asset."

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