Andrew Bailey, a combat veteran, prosecutor, and constitutional conservative, was sworn in as the 44th Attorney General of Missouri on January 3, 2023. His career trajectory reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, law enforcement, and conservative principles.
Political Career Path to Attorney General
Bailey’s journey in public service began with his enlistment in the United States Army as an officer. He served two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning commendations including two Army Achievement Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, a Combat Action Badge, and two Bronze Star Medals. NAAG
Upon returning from deployment in 2009, Bailey pursued legal studies, earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law. He commenced his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Missouri, followed by a role as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Warren County. Bailey further expanded his legal expertise serving as General Counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. NAAGmissourinet.com+1mochamber.com+1mochamber.com+1missourinet.com+1
In 2019, Bailey joined the Missouri Governor’s Office as Deputy General Counsel and was promoted to General Counsel in 2021. His extensive experience in state legal affairs led to his appointment as Attorney General by Governor Mike Parson on November 23, 2022, succeeding Eric Schmitt, who was elected to the U.S. Senate. mochamber.com+1missourinet.com+1ballotpedia.org
Approach to Lowering Crime
As Attorney General, Bailey has prioritized initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety in Missouri. His office has actively pursued legal actions against individuals and entities engaged in fraudulent and deceptive practices. For instance, in October 2024, Bailey announced a judgment returning $131,022 to homeowners in Clay County after a contractor failed to provide promised home repairs, reflecting his commitment to protecting consumers from fraud. ago.mo.gov
Bailey has also focused on addressing violent crime. In August 2024, his office assisted the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office in securing a conviction for sexual assault against Lonny Ray Caldwell, following a DNA match obtained through the Attorney General’s SAFE Kit Initiative. This initiative demonstrates Bailey’s dedication to leveraging forensic science to solve cold cases and deliver justice for victims. ago.mo.gov
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Bailey’s stance on social justice issues aligns with his conservative values, emphasizing law and order and traditional principles. He has been a vocal opponent of policies he perceives as infringing upon constitutional rights or promoting unlawful activities. In April 2024, Bailey launched an investigation into Life Time Fitness in Ellisville, Missouri, after reports that the gym allowed a biological male to use women’s locker rooms. This action underscores his commitment to enforcing state laws that align with his views on gender and privacy. ago.mo.gov
Bailey has also taken a firm stance on educational content, directing letters to school districts in February 2024, ordering them to cease practices he deemed discriminatory against students and staff based on religious and racial grounds. This reflects his dedication to ensuring that educational environments adhere to his interpretation of non-discriminatory practices. ago.mo.gov
Record on Illegal Immigration
Bailey has been proactive in addressing illegal immigration, aligning with broader conservative efforts to enforce immigration laws strictly. In May 2024, he directed a letter to 5G Masonry LLC, demanding verification of the lawful status of their employees after receiving complaints alleging the employment of illegal immigrants, which would constitute a violation of state law. ago.mo.gov+1ago.mo.gov+1
Furthering his commitment to immigration enforcement, in July 2024, Bailey filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration’s Department of Homeland Security for failing to fulfill a Freedom of Information Act request. The request sought documents and communications regarding the transportation of illegal immigrants into Missouri, highlighting Bailey’s efforts to hold the federal government accountable for immigration policies affecting his state. ago.mo.gov+1ago.mo.gov+1
Bailey has also collaborated with other states to enhance border security. In May 2024, he joined a coalition of 13 states seeking emergency relief from the Biden Administration’s policies, which they argued would further open the southern border and exacerbate illegal immigration. ago.mo.gov
In summary, Andrew Bailey’s tenure as Missouri’s Attorney General is characterized by a commitment to conservative principles, a focus on reducing crime through legal action against fraudulent and violent offenders, a traditional approach to social justice issues, and a proactive stance on enforcing immigration laws. His diverse experiences in military service and various legal roles have shaped his approach to upholding the rule of law in Missouri.