Andrew Bailey Resigned as Deputy FBI Director

The former Missouri Attorney General is stepping down from his federal post to return to his home state.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People

Andrew Bailey Resigned as Deputy FBI Director

Live Poll

Does high-level turnover in federal leadership impact the public's trust in government institutions?

Andrew Bailey has announced his resignation as deputy FBI director, a role he assumed in August 2026. He cited a desire to return to his family in Missouri as the primary reason for his departure.

Why it matters

The resignation follows a brief tenure in federal law enforcement after Bailey previously served as Missouri's attorney general. His exit marks a notable leadership change within the FBI's executive team following the departure of Dan Bongino earlier in the year.

Bailey served in the deputy FBI director role for approximately two months, having been appointed in August 2026 to succeed Dan Bongino. This departure follows his previous term as Missouri attorney general, to which he was appointed in 2022 before winning a full term in 2024.

The players

Andrew Bailey

A former Missouri attorney general who served as co-deputy FBI director until his resignation.

Dan Bongino

A former media personality and security professional who vacated the deputy FBI director role in January 2026.

Catherine Hanaway

The official who succeeded Andrew Bailey as Missouri attorney general.

The details

Bailey announced his resignation via a post on X, confirming his intent to return to his family in Missouri. He is a father of four who previously served as the state's top law enforcement official. Catherine Hanaway has assumed the responsibilities of the Missouri attorney general role formerly held by Bailey.

2022: Andrew Bailey was appointed as Missouri attorney general.
January 2026: Dan Bongino departed the deputy FBI director position.
August 2026: Andrew Bailey assumed the role of co-deputy FBI director.
September 28, 2026: Andrew Bailey announced his resignation from the FBI.

Market Landscape

This transition follows the January 2026 departure of Dan Bongino, creating a rapid succession of leadership changes at the deputy FBI director level. The shift highlights ongoing personnel volatility within high-level federal agency appointments throughout the year.

Operators should monitor for further shifts in federal law enforcement leadership that may impact regulatory or investigative priorities. Firms that engaged with the Missouri attorney general's office during Bailey's tenure should verify current points of contact with his successor, Catherine Hanaway.

The takeaway

Leadership instability at federal agencies can often signal shifts in policy focus and enforcement intensity. Business owners should maintain updated contacts within state and federal departments to ensure operational continuity during periods of executive transition.