Andrew Bailey Resigned as Deputy FBI Director
The former Missouri attorney general stepped down from his federal role to return home to his family.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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Andrew Bailey announced his resignation as deputy FBI director on Monday, citing a desire to return to his family in Missouri. Bailey had assumed the position of co-deputy FBI director in August 2026.
Why it matters
The departure marks a significant change in FBI leadership following a transition period that began earlier this year. Bailey leaves the agency to return to his home state after serving in federal capacity.
Andrew Bailey is the father of 4 children. He previously held the office of Missouri attorney general before joining the FBI.
The players
Andrew Bailey
He is an attorney who served as the Missouri attorney general before being named a co-deputy director of the FBI.
Dan Bongino
He is a political commentator who previously held the position of deputy FBI director until January 2026.
Catherine Hanaway
She is a former speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives who replaced Andrew Bailey as Missouri attorney general.
The details
Bailey shared news of his exit through a post on the platform X. He will move back to Missouri, where he was appointed attorney general in 2022 and later elected to a full term in 2024.
Timeline
Andrew Bailey was appointed as Missouri attorney general in 2022.
Dan Bongino left the deputy FBI director position in January 2026.
Andrew Bailey became co-deputy FBI director in August 2026.
Andrew Bailey announced his resignation on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This resignation follows a pattern of high-level personnel changes at the FBI throughout 2026. The move mirrors the transition initiated earlier this year when Dan Bongino vacated his post as deputy FBI director.
The resignation will likely have little direct impact on the day-to-day services provided to the public by the FBI. However, the shift in leadership may signal changes in administrative priorities as the agency looks to fill the vacated co-deputy position.
The takeaway
Leadership turnover in federal agencies is a standard component of government operations. Officials frequently rotate between state-level positions and federal appointments based on changing family or career needs.
Further reading
For more on high-profile career transitions in the public sector, visit the United States People section.
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Does high-level turnover in federal leadership impact the public's trust in government institutions?
