Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is stepping down from one of the FBI’s top leadership positions and returning home to Missouri.
Bailey announced Monday on X that he is leaving his role as co-deputy director of the FBI after a little more than a year in the position. In his statement, Bailey thanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve.
Bailey also said he is confident Patel will continue efforts to reform the bureau, combat violent crime, defend the homeland and restore public trust in the FBI.
The Hermann native served as Missouri attorney general from January 2023 until August 2025. Former Gov. Mike Parson appointed Bailey to the position after Eric Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate. Bailey later won election to a full term as attorney general in 2024 before resigning to join the FBI leadership team in Washington.
Bailey joined the FBI in September 2025 as co-deputy director, a role created alongside former co-deputy director Dan Bongino. The position placed Bailey among the bureau’s top leaders under FBI Director Kash Patel.
Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt praised Bailey’s record of public service following the announcement.
“He’s served his country admirably in the armed forces and then with the governor and then followed me as attorney general and did a great job there and then served his country as the deputy director of the FBI,” Schmitt told Missourinet.
Schmitt said he understands Bailey’s decision.
“I know he wants to spend more time with his family and get back home. And so, I’m happy for him, but he’s done a great job,” Schmitt said.
His announcement did not indicate what his next professional plans might be after leaving the FBI.
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