Ralph Emerson Bailey (July 14, 1878 – April 8, 1948) was an American lawyer and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from Missouri from 1925 to 1927.

Born in Cainsville, Missouri, Bailey moved to Illinois with his parents, who settled in Benton, Franklin County, in 1880.

He was admitted to the bar in 1907 and commenced practice in Bloomfield, Missouri.

He moved to Sikeston, Missouri in 1910 and continued the practice of law.

He served as a member of the board of regents of the Southeast Missouri Teachers' College.