Governor Mike Parson named Andrew Bailey of Rhineland to replace Eric Schmitt as Attorney General.

Schmitt has held the office of Attorney General of Missouri since 2019. He will be stepping down from the position after he was elected to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of Missouri, replacing retiring Senator Roy Blunt.

“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,” Governor Parson said. “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. Andrew understands the need to do better, to be better, and with Andrew, better will not only be possible but achieved.”

Bailey assumed the role of General Counsel for the Office of the Governor in 2021. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, he served as General Counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story