Federal Bureau of Investigation Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey announced on Monday, September 28, 2026, that he is stepping down after serving one year at the law enforcement agency. Bailey, the former attorney general of Missouri, stated that his departure is motivated by a desire to return to his family in his home state.
Bailey shared the news on social media and expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure. “With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri,” Bailey wrote. He added, “I am confident Director [Kash] Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organizational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.”
An Unprecedented Leadership Structure
Bailey joined the bureau in September 2025 under an unusual multi-deputy leadership structure established by FBI Director Kash Patel. The co-deputy director role marked a first in the agency’s modern history. Bailey initially shared these duties with former Secret Service agent and podcaster Dan Bongino, who resigned in December 2025. Christopher Raia, the former assistant director in charge of the bureau’s New York City Field Office, then stepped into the shared role alongside Bailey.
Official statements emphasized mutual goals, but media reports and internal sources noted that Bailey’s time at the bureau faced occasional friction. Sources indicated the unconventional leadership framework was ill-defined at times, leading to strategic disagreements regarding agency practices and administrative protocols.
Key Responsibilities and Investigations
During his year-long tenure, Bailey oversaw critical election security issues and high-profile domestic investigations. He helped lead election integrity initiatives, which included participating in the execution of search warrants to seize 2020 presidential election materials and boxes of ballots from the Fulton County, Georgia election office in January 2026.
Before his federal appointment, Bailey served as the attorney general of Missouri. In that role, he led prominent legal challenges. These included a consent decree barring social media companies from censoring protected speech and multiple lawsuits against the federal administration concerning immigration policy and transgender athlete regulations.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
Following the resignation announcement, FBI Director Kash Patel thanked Bailey for his service and contributions. “Although Andrew is leaving the FBI in order to return to his family in Missouri, his fantastic contribution instituting critical reforms which resulted in our historic success will live on,” Patel posted on social media.
Bailey’s departure takes effect officially on October 2, 2026. It remains unclear whether Christopher Raia will transition to serve as the sole No. 2 official at the agency or if further structural changes will follow Bailey’s exit.
