Top FBI official Andrew Bailey, who was once widely seen as Patel successor, resigns

September 28, 2026 / 1:00 PM EDT / CBS News

Top FBI official Andrew Bailey, who was once widely seen as Patel successor, resigns

TL;DR

  • FBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey is resigning, effective October 2.
  • Bailey cited family reasons for his departure.
  • His tenure was reportedly marked by difficulties with Director Kash Patel, who allegedly excluded Bailey from meetings.
  • Bailey was previously the Missouri attorney general.
  • His resignation follows the demotion of two counterterrorism agents after complaints from Stephen and Katie Miller.