Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced Monday that he will step down from his position to become co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His final day in office will be September 8.
Governor Mike Kehoe, a Republican, will appoint Bailey’s successor to serve out the remainder of the term, which runs until 2028.
In a statement, Bailey described the new role as an extension of his public service career. “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. “But wherever I am called, Missouri is and always will be home.”
Bailey was appointed attorney general in 2022 to replace Eric Schmitt, who had been elected to the U.S. Senate. Schmitt himself had been appointed in 2018 following Josh Hawley’s resignation to join the Senate. Bailey won a full four-year term in 2024 after defeating White House staff secretary Will Scharf in the Republican primary.
At the FBI, Bailey will serve alongside Dan Bongino as co-deputy director, working under Director Kash Patel.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi welcomed the appointment in a statement: “I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service.”
Bailey reflected on his time in office in a message posted on X, calling his service as attorney general “the honor of my professional career.” He added, “What has made it truly meaningful has been the opportunity to serve my home state. Together, we have defended the rule of law and safeguarded our freedoms. I am forever grateful.”
