Parson appoints new state attorney general

Provided by Gov. Mike Parson's office

Andrew Bailey is tapped as the next attorney general of Missouri.

Gov. Mike Parson announced Andrew Bailey as the state's next attorney general.

Bailey, the governor's general counsel, was introduced as attorney general by Parson during a news conference this morning.

Bailey is succeeding Eric Schmitt, who won his bid for the U.S. Senate during the Nov. 8 general election. It's the second attorney general appointment during the tenure of Parson, who named Schmitt to the position in 2018 after Josh Hawley won Missouri's other U.S. Senate seat.

“The historical significance of appointing an attorney general for the second time of our administration has not been lost on me. But such a monumental, history-defining decision can be made so easily with the right candidate, and Andrew Bailey is the right candidate to lead Missourians as our next attorney general,” Parson said in a news release. “While it’s bittersweet to lose Andrew on our team, it gives us peace of mind to know his talents and passion for the rule of law and public service will be so well utilized as attorney general."

Bailey joined the governor's office as deputy general counsel in 2019 and has served as general counsel since 2021. He has past experience as assistant attorney general for Missouri, assistant prosecuting attorney for the Warren County prosecuting attorney's office and general counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. Bailey also is a U.S. Army veteran.

"I’m excited to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect freedoms, and ensure our kids and grandkids inherit a better world," Bailey said in the release. "My entire career has been defined by public service, and now I’m ready to continue that service as your attorney general, where I will work tirelessly to earn your trust and never stop fighting on your behalf.”