Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey announced on September 29, 2026, that he is resigning from his position to return to his family in Missouri. Bailey, who served alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, cited personal reasons for his departure after approximately one year in the role.
Bailey’s tenure and role: Bailey was appointed to the newly created co-deputy director position in September 2025, serving alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino before later working with Christopher Raia, who replaced Bongino. The co-deputy director role was described by sources as sometimes ill-defined, with unclear delineation of responsibilities between Bailey and Raia. Bailey previously served as Missouri’s attorney general from January 2023 to September 2025 before joining the FBI.
Official statements and context: In a social media post, Bailey thanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. He stated, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again.” Bailey expressed confidence in Patel’s continued leadership, writing that the FBI would “continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organizational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a statement on social media, thanking Bailey for his service and acknowledging his contributions to the bureau’s reforms. Patel stated that Bailey’s work “instituting critical reforms which resulted in our historic success will live on.”
Election-related involvement: Bailey was present in January 2026 when FBI agents seized 2020 election ballots from Georgia, an action that drew significant attention. The newly created co-deputy director position was part of broader changes at the FBI under Patel’s leadership, which has included high-profile legal actions and public statements about the bureau’s priorities.
Transition and future structure: The FBI did not immediately confirm whether Christopher Raia would assume sole deputy director duties following Bailey’s departure. The co-deputy structure, established during Bongino’s tenure, remained in place after his resignation earlier in 2026. Sources noted that the arrangement’s unclear division of responsibilities may be addressed in the bureau’s restructuring plans.