Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step down Sept. 8 to become co-deputy director of the FBI, a move that underscores his rapid rise in former President Donald Trump’s political orbit.
Bailey announced his resignation Monday, confirming he will serve alongside current deputy director Dan Bongino under FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The role does not require Senate confirmation.
“My life has been defined by a call to service and I am once again answering that call, this time at the national level,” Bailey said in a statement. “But wherever I am called, Missouri is and always will be home.”
A Quick Ascent
The decision had been rumored in GOP circles throughout the day. Bailey’s move follows a long Missouri tradition of attorneys general leveraging the office for higher posts, though unlike his predecessors Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, he is shifting to an administrative role rather than elected office.
Bailey, a former soldier and lawyer, was appointed attorney general in late 2022 by then-Gov. Mike Parson. He won a full term in 2024 after defeating Trump ally Will Scharf in the Republican primary.
As attorney general, Bailey gained a reputation as a conservative firebrand. He:
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Tried to use state law to ban transgender healthcare for both adults and minors.
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Fought efforts to expand abortion rights after voters enshrined protections in the state constitution.
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Deployed rare legal maneuvers to attempt the removal of elected officials.
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Frequently inserted Missouri into lawsuits supporting Trump and opposing President Joe Biden.
He also drew criticism for management of the office, with opponents accusing him of prioritizing culture war battles over legal competence.
Controversies and Criticism
Before his tenure as attorney general, Bailey served as Gov. Parson’s general counsel. He came under fire for helping draft talking points defending the prosecution of a journalist who exposed a flaw in the state’s education department website. The case was ultimately dropped, and free press advocates blasted the attempt.
Bailey often appeared on conservative media outlets, building a national profile while courting controversy at home. Both Democrats and some Republicans criticized his handling of the attorney general’s office.
Missouri’s Next Attorney General
Bailey’s departure gives current Gov. Mike Kehoe the power to appoint a successor. The office is considered a political springboard in Missouri, with past AGs like Schmitt, Hawley, John Danforth, John Ashcroft, and Jay Nixon all moving on to higher office.
Kehoe is expected to announce Bailey’s replacement Tuesday. One possible pick is Catherine Hanaway, a former Missouri House speaker, federal prosecutor, and candidate for governor, though she declined to confirm whether she had been approached.
Missouri’s Influence in Trump’s Administration
Bailey’s appointment strengthens Missouri’s footprint within Trump’s administration. His former primary rival, Will Scharf, now serves as White House staff secretary. Former Solicitor General D. John Sauer is Trump’s U.S. Solicitor General. Two of Bailey’s staffers, Josh Divine and Maria Lanahan, were nominated for federal judgeships.
Other Missouri Republicans have cycled through key roles, including former Rep. Billy Long and ex-GOP chair Ed Martin.
With Bailey’s move to Washington, Missouri once again cements its place as a key source of conservative talent in Trump’s political network.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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