Missouri has quite the track record in recent years of its attorney generals moving on to prominent national roles.

Eric Schmitt was appointed to the job in 2019 (and won his election in 2020) after Josh Hawley went to the Senate—but then Schmitt too left the post to become a senator. Next to be called up was Andrew Bailey, who was appointed in 2022 (and won election in 2024), but on Monday, he announced that he is leaving the role to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It would seem that the job of MO AG is quite the stepping stone.

I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI.

I extend my thanks to @POTUS and @AGPamBondi for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again.

I will protect America and uphold the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/hkMi2p1bXV

— Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) August 18, 2025

Bailey will join former Secret Service agent and longtime conservative pundit Dan Bongino as co-deputy directors. Bongino was appointed by President Donald Trump in February.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was excited about the move:

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.