For 18 years, he was the director of financial analysis for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in Washington, DC.

They have six children and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Foley was elected in 2000 to represent the 29th Nebraska legislative district, and reelected in 2004 with 70% of the vote.

"[2] On November 7, 2006, Foley defeated incumbent Democrat Kate Witek to become the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts.

Pete Ricketts selected Foley to replace Lavon Heidemann as his running mate in the 2014 Nebraska governor's race.