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Politics

FBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey resigns after one year in role

The former Missouri attorney general cited family reasons, leaving the agency's leadership structure uncertain.

Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 18:50 UTC4 reports

The short version

  • Andrew Bailey announced his resignation as FBI co-deputy director on September 28, 2026, stating he will return to Missouri for family reasons.[NBC News]
  • Bailey joined the bureau in September 2025 under a first-of-its-kind co-deputy arrangement, serving first alongside Dan Bongino and later Christopher Raia.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]
  • Sources reported friction between Bailey and FBI Director Kash Patel, alleging Bailey was excluded from key meetings.[The Guardian · CBS News]
  • It remains uncertain whether Raia will remain the sole second-in-command or if a replacement co-deputy will be named.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • Andrew Bailey announced his resignation as FBI co-deputy director on September 28, 2026, citing family reasons.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News · CBS News]
  • Bailey entered the bureau in September 2025 as part of an unprecedented co-deputy leadership structure.[ABC News · NBC News]
  • Prior to joining the FBI, Bailey served as the attorney general of Missouri.[The Guardian · ABC News · NBC News]
  • Bailey served alongside Dan Bongino until Bongino departed in January 2026, after which Christopher Raia assumed the other co-deputy position.[The Guardian · NBC News]
  • During his tenure, Bailey oversaw election-related investigations, including a search warrant execution at a Fulton County, Georgia election office.[The Guardian · ABC News]
  • FBI Director Kash Patel publicly praised Bailey on social media for his service and institutional reforms.[The Guardian · CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether Christopher Raia will become the sole No. 2 FBI official or another co-deputy will be named remains unconfirmed.[The Guardian · ABC News]
  • Sources reported internal friction and alleged Bailey was kept out of meetings by Patel, contrasting with the official explanation of family reasons.[The Guardian · CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.