President Donald Trump named Katie Bailey as the new head of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs on October 10, 2026, replacing James Braid. Bailey previously served as deputy director of legislative affairs and legislative director for Senator Mike Braun. Taking office less than a month before the 2026 midterm elections, Bailey assumes the chief congressional liaison role as Republicans defend slim majorities in both chambers.
Katie Bailey's appointment as legislative Affairs head
- ▪Katie Bailey took over leadership of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs less than a month before the 2026 midterm elections
- ▪President Donald Trump appointed Katie Bailey as the director and head of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs on October 10, 2026
- ▪Katie Bailey accepted President Donald Trump's offer on October 9, 2026, to serve as the main White House liaison to Congress
Katie Bailey's political career and White House service
- ▪Katie Bailey previously served as legislative director for Indiana Republican Senator Mike Braun during his term in the United States Senate
- ▪Prior to her appointment as head of legislative affairs, Katie Bailey served as special assistant to President Donald Trump and deputy director of legislative affairs liaising with the Senate
- ▪In her White House role, Katie Bailey assisted with the Senate confirmations of Cabinet members including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton
James Braid's departure and Senate background
- ▪Prior to leading the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, James Braid served as top policy aide and deputy chief of staff to JD Vance during Vance's tenure in the U.S. Senate
- ▪Katie Bailey succeeded James Braid, who stepped down in September 2026 as President Donald Trump's longest-tenured legislative affairs director to enter the private sector
James Braid's accomplishments cited by JD Vance
- ▪According to Vice President JD Vance, James Braid helped the Trump administration navigate two Democratic government shutdowns and achieve the fastest cabinet confirmations in decades
- ▪Vice President JD Vance stated that James Braid helped pass major tax cuts, border wall funding, and a landmark cryptocurrency bill during Braid's tenure as White House legislative director
Stakes of the midterm elections
- ▪Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate ahead of the midterm elections
- ▪Both the House of Representatives and the Senate could fall into Democratic hands following the 2026 midterm elections
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