The White House has chosen Katie Bailey as the new head of White House Office of Legislative Affairs, less than a month away from the midterm elections and with control of Congress hanging in the balance.
President Donald Trump is said to have offered Bailey the promotion to director of the Office of Legislative Affairs on Friday, and she accepted. Bailey currently serves as the special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs.
Additionally, she has extensive Hill experience, having served as legislative director for Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) during his six-year term in office, ending in January 2025 when he won election as the state’s governor. Bailey also worked with the late Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and on the House Oversight Committee during the Obama administration.
Bailey is filling the position after the September departure of James Braid, who played a key role in coordinating with a narrow House and Senate majority to advance President Trump’s legislative agenda.
Braid’s departure, though unclear at the time, was one of a series of top White House officials who left the administration amid midterm election preparations, notably with the departure of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator and communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group, was named Friday as Leavitt’s replacement as press secretary.
Bailey is expected to quickly take over negotiations with lawmakers while Republicans prepare for the November midterm elections.
Outstanding congressional legislation Trump is pushing for passage includes the SAVE America Act, the Sunshine Protection Act, the Protect College Sports Act, and the “Reconciliation 3.0” bill.
Bailey’s predecessor was highly credited for the passage of Trump’s agenda, with Vice President JD Vance noting Braid “played a critical role in all of the administration’s achievements in Congress: largest tax cut ever, resources to carry out President Trump’s historic immigration agenda and finish the border wall, defeating two Democratic shutdowns, a landmark first crypto bill, the fastest confirmation of the cabinet in decades and much more.”
The Trump administration seeks to sharpen its messaging ahead of the midterm elections in an effort to hold its narrow majority, while contending with low approval ratings.
With both the House and the Senate out of session through Election Day, returning for a post-election lame-duck session in mid-November, the White House could be anticipating a raucous return.
Prior to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) abruptly sending the House of Representatives into an early recess, outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced articles of impeachment against War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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If Democrats take control of either chamber, Trump would have to work with Democratic leaders on spending bills and other legislation while facing greater congressional oversight.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the White House for comment.