Missouri AG Andrew Bailey Wins Primary, Aims for Full Term Amid Controversial Legal Battles

The Missouri attorney general, Andrew Bailey, made headlines on Tuesday after emerging victorious in the primary election as the Republican Party’s candidate for attorney general in the upcoming November general election, as reported by The Associated Press.

Aiming for a Full Four-Year Term

Appointed by Governor Mike Parson in 2022, Mr. Bailey is now vying for a full four-year term in a position that has previously served as a springboard for his predecessors, Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, both of whom currently hold seats as U.S. senators.

Controversial Tenure

During his 19-month tenure as Missouri’s attorney general, Mr. Bailey has engaged in intense legal and political battles. His actions include attempts to maintain the incarceration of exonerated prisoners, blocking approval for a ballot initiative aimed at restoring abortion rights, and seeking to limit gender-affirming healthcare for both adults and children. Additionally, he pursued legal action against New York State regarding its prosecution of former President Donald J. Trump, and challenged President Biden’s policies on various issues such as student loan forgiveness, immigration, and gun regulation.

Primary Race Dynamics

Despite the controversial nature of his tenure, Mr. Bailey spent a significant portion of the primary race in a political tug-of-war with his opponent, Will Scharf, over their respective loyalty to Donald J. Trump. Notably, Mr. Scharf is one of Mr. Trump’s lawyers, having represented him before the Supreme Court in a recent presidential immunity case that ruled in Mr. Trump’s favor.