FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns After Overseeing 2020 Election Investigation
FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey announced Monday that he is stepping down from the bureau after just over a year in the position, ending a tenure that included a prominent role in the FBI’s investigation of issues surrounding the 2020 election.
Bailey, who previously served as Missouri attorney general, said he is leaving the FBI to return home to his family in Missouri. His resignation is expected to take effect Oct. 2.
Bailey joined the FBI in August 2025 after leaving his position as Missouri’s top law enforcement official. He was initially appointed co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino, an unusual arrangement for a position traditionally occupied by a single official.
Bongino later departed the bureau, and Bailey eventually shared deputy director responsibilities with veteran FBI official Christopher Raia. Both served under FBI Director Kash Patel as the bureau underwent significant changes in leadership and priorities.
During his time at the FBI, Bailey helped oversee election-related investigations. He was present in January when federal agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Georgia and seized ballots and other records connected to the 2020 election investigation.
Bailey had previously been a vocal supporter of President Trump while serving as Missouri attorney general. Before joining the FBI, he pursued several high-profile legal actions and regularly challenged policies and decisions made by the Biden administration.
In announcing his resignation, Bailey thanked President Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche and Patel for giving him the opportunity to serve at the bureau. He said the FBI had achieved significant results during his time in leadership and expressed confidence in the bureau’s future direction.
Bailey said he believes Patel will continue efforts to reform the FBI, fight violent crime, defend the homeland, strengthen accountability inside the organization and rebuild public trust in the bureau.
Patel praised Bailey following the announcement, thanking him for his service and crediting him with helping implement reforms at the FBI. Patel said Bailey’s contributions would continue to have an impact after his departure and emphasized that Bailey was leaving to return to his family.
Bailey’s resignation represents another significant change in the FBI’s senior leadership. His departure leaves Patel and Raia at the top of the bureau as the FBI continues several high-profile investigations, including its ongoing examination of election-related matters.