The White House has appointed Katie Bailey as the new director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, filling a critical role as the administration faces upcoming congressional elections.
According to multiple sources, President Trump offered Bailey the position on Friday, and she has accepted. She will succeed James Braid, who resigned last month. Vice President JD Vance announced Braid’s departure, praising him for handling one of the administration’s most demanding assignments. Braid’s final day in office is scheduled for Tuesday.
Vance highlighted Braid’s contributions to key legislative victories, including the passage of the largest tax cut in history, support for immigration enforcement and border wall construction, the defeat of two Democratic government shutdown attempts, the enactment of the first major cryptocurrency bill, and the swift confirmation of cabinet members.
Bailey takes on a challenging assignment with less than a month remaining before the midterm elections. Control of both the House and the Senate, currently held by Republican slim majorities, is at risk of shifting to Democratic hands.
Bailey brings existing experience from within the executive branch, currently serving as both a special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs. Previously, she worked as legislative director for Indiana Senator Mike Braun during his six-year tenure in the Senate, a role she held until January 2025 when Braun was elected governor of Indiana.
CBS News has contacted the White House for official comment.
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Interesting choice right before midterms. I wonder if the White House thinks this is more about campaign strategy than actual legislative management?
Bailey knows Braun’s playbook well, but she has her work cut out keeping those slim majorities intact. This is a tough assignment.