FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns After One Year

<p>Andrew Bailey, deputy director of the FBI, is leaving his position after just over a year of service, as confirmed by Bailey and FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Bailey's resignation contributes to the turnover at the FBI under Patel's leadership, as several top aides and experienced officials have departed from the agency.</p><hr /><p><strong>What they're saying: </strong>"With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri," Bailey stated on X on Monday.</p><ul><li>"I am confident Director 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," he added.</li><li>In response to Bailey's post, Patel expressed gratitude for his service, stating that his contributions to critical reforms would be remembered. "Andrew's leadership at the FBI will be missed but we are grateful he answered the call to serve!" Patel wrote.</li><li>When contacted for comment, the FBI directed Axios to Bailey's post on X.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in: </strong>Bailey, who previously served as Missouri's attorney general, oversaw some of the FBI's election security efforts. His departure is notable as it comes just over a month before the midterm elections.</p><ul><li>Bailey was also responsible for the FBI's raid on the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Georgia in January, where agents seized ballots and documents related to the 2020 election, as noted by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi.</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but: </strong>A senior administration official familiar with Bailey's departure told Axios that he did not have significant responsibilities regarding election security or other matters.</p><ul><li>According to the official, "Bailey wasn't doing anything on voter fraud, nothing on election integrity. He quit because he had nothing to do."</li><li>Axios reached out to the FBI again for comment regarding the official's remarks.</li></ul><p><strong>Catch up quick:</strong> Bailey was appointed as co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino last August, a rare dual-leadership arrangement.</p><ul><li>Many FBI agents believed that Bondi brought Bailey in as a potential successor if President Trump were to lose confidence in Patel, according to a report by the New York Times.</li><li>Bondi left her position as attorney general in April, and Bongino announced his departure from the FBI in December to return to podcasting.</li><li>After Bongino's exit, Christopher Raia, former head of the FBI's New York field office, was appointed to serve as co-deputy director alongside Bailey.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper: </strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/fbi-bestiality-prostitution-patel-kennedy">Patel defends FBI hiring changes involving bestiality, prostitution</a></p><p><em>Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.</em></p><p><em>Marc Caputo contributed reporting.</em></p>