<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/white-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">White House</a> has appointed Katie Bailey as the new head of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. This appointment comes less than a month before the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/2026-election/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">midterm elections</a>, with control of <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/congress/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Congress</a> at stake.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> reportedly offered Bailey the promotion to director of the Office of Legislative Affairs on Friday, which she accepted. Bailey has been serving as the special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bailey has significant experience on Capitol Hill, having served as legislative director for Sen. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/mike-braun/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mike Braun</a> (R-IN) during his six-year term, which will conclude in January 2025 when he assumes the governorship of Indiana. She has also worked with the late Sen. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/tom-coburn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tom Coburn</a> (R-OK) and on the House Oversight Committee during the Obama administration.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bailey is taking over the position following the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4694206/james-braid-leaves-white-house-liaison-congress/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">September departure</a> of James Braid, who was instrumental in coordinating with a narrow House and Senate majority to advance President Trump’s legislative agenda.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Braid’s departure was part of a series of exits by top White House officials amid preparations for the midterm elections, including Press Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4685155/karoline-leavitt-to-depart-white-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Karoline Leavitt</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4761492/who-is-katie-zacharia-white-house-press-secretary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katie Zacharia</a>, a conservative commentator and communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group, was appointed as Leavitt’s replacement as press secretary.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bailey is expected to quickly engage in negotiations with lawmakers as Republicans prepare for the November midterm elections.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Key congressional legislation that Trump is advocating for includes the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/save-america-act/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SAVE America Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4753100/trump-tom-cotton-cellphone-number-daylight-savings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunshine Protection Act</a>, the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4684429/trump-protect-college-sports-act-what-to-know/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Protect College Sports Act</a>, and the <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4649118/house-gop-releases-budget-framework-for-95-billion-reconciliation-package/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Reconciliation 3.0”</a> bill.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bailey’s predecessor received recognition for the passage of Trump’s agenda, with Vice President JD Vance <a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/2090417240365515051" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">noting</a> that Braid “played a critical role in all of the administration’s achievements in Congress, including the largest tax cut ever and resources for the immigration agenda.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Trump administration is looking to enhance its messaging ahead of the midterm elections to maintain its narrow majority, amidst low approval ratings.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With both the House and Senate out of session until after Election Day, they will reconvene for a post-election lame-duck session in mid-November, which may lead to significant legislative activity.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Prior to Speaker <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/mike-johnson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mike Johnson</a> (R-LA) sending the House into an early recess, outgoing Rep. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/thomas-massie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thomas Massie</a> (R-KY) introduced articles of impeachment against War Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/pete-hegseth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Hegseth</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Democrats gain control of either chamber, Trump will need to collaborate with Democratic leaders on spending bills and other legislation while facing increased congressional oversight.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <em>Washington Examiner</em> has reached out to the White House for comment.</p>