Pete Buttigieg: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Pete Buttigieg
| name             = Pete Buttigieg
| birth_name = Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg
| birth_name       = Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|1|19}}
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1982|1|19}}
| birth_place = [[South Bend, Indiana]], U.S.
| birth_place     = [[South Bend, Indiana]], U.S.
| nationality = American
| nationality     = American
| occupation = Politician, former naval officer
| occupation       = Politician, former naval intelligence officer
| known_for = 19th [[United States Secretary of Transportation]]; 32nd [[Mayor of South Bend, Indiana]]
| known_for       = 19th [[United States Secretary of Transportation]]; 32nd [[Mayor of South Bend, Indiana]]; first openly gay person confirmed to a U.S. Cabinet position
| education = [[Harvard University]] (BA)<br>[[Pembroke College, Oxford]] (BA)
| education       = [[Harvard University]] (BA), [[Pembroke College, Oxford]] (BA)
| spouse = Chasten Buttigieg (m. 2018)
| spouse           = Chasten Buttigieg (m. 2018)
| children = 2
| children         = 2
| awards = [[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]
| awards           = [[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]
}}
}}


'''Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|uː|t|ɪ|dʒ|ɛ|dʒ}} {{respell|BOO|tij-ej}}; born January 19, 1982) is an American politician, former naval intelligence officer, and member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] who served as the 19th [[United States Secretary of Transportation]] from 2021 to 2025 under President [[Joe Biden]]. Before joining the Cabinet, Buttigieg served as the 32nd mayor of [[South Bend, Indiana]], from 2012 to 2020, a tenure during which he earned the widely used moniker "Mayor Pete." A graduate of [[Harvard University]] and the [[University of Oxford]], where he studied as a [[Rhodes Scholar]], Buttigieg also served in the [[United States Navy Reserve]] as an intelligence officer, deploying to [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]] in 2014. He entered the national spotlight as a candidate in the [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries]], where he won the [[Iowa caucuses]] and became the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus contest.<ref>{{cite news |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His confirmation as Secretary of Transportation made him the first openly gay person confirmed to a [[United States Cabinet|Cabinet]] position in U.S. history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn |work=ABC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Since leaving office in January 2025, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics, speaking publicly on policy issues and appearing in early polling for the [[2028 United States presidential election|2028 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state |work=Fox News |date=2026-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|uː|t|ɪ|dʒ|ɛ|dʒ}} {{respell|BOO|tij-ej}}; born January 19, 1982) is an American politician and former [[United States Navy Reserve]] intelligence officer who served as the 19th [[United States Secretary of Transportation]] from 2021 to 2025 under President [[Joe Biden]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-02-02 |title=Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn |work=ABC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], Buttigieg previously served as the 32nd mayor of [[South Bend, Indiana]], from 2012 to 2020, a tenure that earned him the informal moniker "Mayor Pete."<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-01-01 |title=Pete Buttigieg's Tenure as Mayor: Highlights and Challenges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> A graduate of [[Harvard University]] and the [[University of Oxford]], where he studied as a [[Rhodes Scholar]], Buttigieg entered the national spotlight as a candidate in the [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries]], becoming the first openly gay man to win a presidential primary or caucus when he captured the [[2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses|Iowa caucuses]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His confirmation as Secretary of Transportation made him the first openly gay person confirmed to a presidential Cabinet position in United States history. Since leaving the Cabinet in January 2025, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics and has been mentioned as a potential candidate in the [[2028 United States presidential election|2028 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-19 |title=Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state |work=Fox News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. His father, Joseph Buttigieg, was a Maltese-born literary scholar and professor at the [[University of Notre Dame]], where he specialized in the works of the Italian philosopher [[Antonio Gramsci]].<ref name="nyt-mayor">{{cite news |date=2020-01-01 |title=Pete Buttigieg's Tenure as Mayor of South Bend |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Buttigieg grew up in South Bend, a mid-sized city in northern Indiana whose economic fortunes had long been tied to the automobile industry and the presence of the University of Notre Dame. The city had experienced decades of post-industrial decline by the time of his youth, a circumstance that would later inform his approach to urban governance.
Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. His father, Joseph Buttigieg, was a [[Malta|Maltese]]-born immigrant who became a professor of English at the [[University of Notre Dame]], and his mother, Jennifer Anne Montgomery, was also a faculty member at Notre Dame. The surname Buttigieg, of Maltese origin, became the subject of considerable public discussion during his presidential campaign, with multiple news outlets publishing guides on its pronunciation.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Pronounce Pete Buttigieg's Name |url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg-name.html |publisher=The Cut |date=2019-03 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-01-23 |title=How to pronounce Pete Buttigieg |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The pronunciation of his surname—derived from his Maltese heritage—became a recurring topic during his rise to national prominence. Media outlets offered various guides, with CNN and ''The Cut'' among those explaining that the name is pronounced "BOOT-edge-edge."<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Pronounce Pete Buttigieg's Name |url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg-name.html |publisher=The Cut |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How to pronounce Pete Buttigieg |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Buttigieg grew up in South Bend, a city whose economic identity had been shaped by the presence and subsequent departure of the [[Studebaker]] automobile company. His upbringing in the post-industrial Midwest would later inform much of his political outlook, particularly his emphasis on economic revitalization and infrastructure investment. He attended [[St. Joseph High School (South Bend, Indiana)|St. Joseph High School]] in South Bend, where he excelled academically.
 
Buttigieg developed an early interest in politics and public service. As a high school student, he won an essay contest organized by the [[John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum]], writing about the political courage of then-U.S. Representative [[Bernie Sanders]] of Vermont. His academic achievements earned him admission to [[Harvard University]], where he would pursue his undergraduate education.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Buttigieg earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from [[Harvard University]], where he studied history and literature. His academic performance at Harvard earned him a [[Rhodes Scholarship]], one of the most competitive international academic awards, which funded his postgraduate studies at [[Pembroke College, Oxford|Pembroke College]] at the [[University of Oxford]] in England. At Oxford, he earned a second Bachelor of Arts degree, studying philosophy, politics, and economics. His time at Oxford exposed him to international perspectives on governance and public policy that would later shape his political career.
Buttigieg enrolled at [[Harvard University]], where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree. His academic achievements at Harvard were followed by a [[Rhodes Scholarship]] to attend the [[University of Oxford]], where he studied at [[Pembroke College, Oxford|Pembroke College]] and earned a second Bachelor of Arts degree. The Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most competitive international academic awards, placed Buttigieg among a select cohort of scholars recognized for their intellectual and leadership potential.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Political Work and McKinsey ===
=== Early Political Work and McKinsey ===


Before seeking elected office himself, Buttigieg worked on several Democratic political campaigns. He was involved in the campaigns of [[Jill Long Thompson]], [[Joe Donnelly]], and [[John Kerry]], gaining experience in electoral politics at both the state and national level. In 2007, Buttigieg began working at [[McKinsey & Company]], the global management consulting firm, where he spent approximately three years. His work at McKinsey later drew scrutiny during his 2020 presidential campaign, when questions arose about the identity of his clients. In December 2019, ''The New York Times'' reported on the details of his McKinsey tenure, noting that Buttigieg had sought and received permission from the firm to disclose his client list in an effort to address transparency concerns.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-12-10 |title=Pete Buttigieg's McKinsey Clients |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mckinsey-clients.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Before launching his own political campaigns, Buttigieg worked on the campaigns of several Democratic candidates, including [[Jill Long Thompson]], [[Joe Donnelly]], and [[John Kerry]]. These early experiences provided him with exposure to the operational mechanics of American electoral politics at both the state and national levels.
 
In 2007, Buttigieg began working at [[McKinsey & Company]], the global management consulting firm, where he spent approximately three years. During the 2020 presidential campaign, his tenure at McKinsey became a subject of public scrutiny, with rivals and media outlets pressing him to disclose the clients he had served during his time at the firm. In December 2019, Buttigieg released a summary of his work at McKinsey, which included projects for a health insurance company, a retail company, the U.S. Defense Department, and other organizations.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-12-10 |title=Pete Buttigieg's McKinsey Clients Revealed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mckinsey-clients.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In 2010, Buttigieg ran as the Democratic nominee for [[Indiana State Treasurer]] but lost the general election. The race marked his first bid for elected office and, despite the defeat, provided him with statewide campaign experience that he would later apply to his mayoral run.
In 2010, Buttigieg ran as the Democratic nominee for [[Indiana State Treasurer]] but was unsuccessful in the general election. The race, though a loss, raised his profile within Indiana Democratic circles.


=== Military Service ===
=== Military Service ===


In 2009, Buttigieg joined the [[United States Navy Reserve]] as a direct commission officer in naval intelligence. He served in the Reserve from 2009 to 2017, ultimately attaining the rank of [[Lieutenant (United States Navy)|lieutenant]]. In 2014, while serving as mayor of South Bend, he was mobilized and deployed to [[Afghanistan]] for a seven-month tour of duty as part of the U.S. military effort during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]. His deployment required him to take a leave of absence from his mayoral duties. For his service, he received the [[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]. His military background became a central element of his political identity, particularly during his 2020 presidential campaign, where he frequently cited his deployment experience in discussions of foreign policy and national security.
From 2009 to 2017, Buttigieg served as an intelligence officer in the [[United States Navy Reserve]]. He attained the rank of [[lieutenant]] and was assigned to [[Naval Intelligence]]. In 2014, while serving as mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg was mobilized and deployed to the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|war in Afghanistan]] for a seven-month tour. His deployment was notable given that he was simultaneously serving as a sitting mayor. For his service, he received the [[Joint Service Commendation Medal]].
 
=== Mayor of South Bend ===


=== Mayor of South Bend (2012–2020) ===
Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in 2011, taking office on January 1, 2012, at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest mayors of a U.S. city with a population above 100,000 at the time. He succeeded Steve Luecke in the office.<ref name="nyt-mayor">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-01-01 |title=Pete Buttigieg's Tenure as Mayor: Highlights and Challenges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend in November 2011, taking office on January 1, 2012, at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest mayors of a U.S. city with a population over 100,000 at the time. He succeeded Steve Luecke in the position. ''The New York Times'' profiled his mayoral tenure in detail, examining his efforts to revitalize a city that had experienced significant economic decline following the closure of [[Studebaker]] plants and other manufacturing facilities decades earlier.<ref name="nyt-mayor" />
As mayor, Buttigieg oversaw various urban revitalization initiatives in South Bend, a city that had experienced decades of economic decline following the closure of the Studebaker factories. His administration focused on redevelopment of the city's downtown area, including the transformation of infrastructure and efforts to attract new business and investment to the region.


One of Buttigieg's signature initiatives as mayor was the "1,000 Homes in 1,000 Days" program, which aimed to address blight by repairing or demolishing vacant and abandoned houses across South Bend. He also oversaw investments in the city's downtown area, including the redevelopment of infrastructure and the promotion of technology-sector growth. His approach to municipal governance drew attention from national media, with profiles characterizing him as a representative of a new generation of Democratic leaders.
One of the more contentious aspects of Buttigieg's mayoral tenure involved the South Bend Police Department. Early in his first term, Buttigieg asked Darryl Boykins, the city's first Black police chief, to resign amid a federal investigation into the secret recording of police officers' phone conversations. The episode generated lasting criticism from some members of South Bend's Black community, who saw Boykins's removal as a loss of representation in the city's leadership.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-04-19 |title=Buttigieg and the Black Police Chief |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/19/us/politics/buttigieg-black-police-chief-fired.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


However, Buttigieg's tenure was not without controversy. Policing issues proved to be a significant challenge. Early in his first term, he became involved in a dispute related to the city's police chief, an episode that drew criticism and raised questions about his handling of law enforcement matters. ''The New York Times'' reported on the circumstances surrounding the police chief's departure, noting the controversy's lasting impact on Buttigieg's relationship with parts of the South Bend community.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-04-19 |title=Buttigieg and the Black Police Chief |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/19/us/politics/buttigieg-black-police-chief-fired.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In June 2019, the fatal shooting of Eric Logan, a Black man, by a white South Bend police officer further complicated Buttigieg's relationship with the city's Black residents and became a significant issue during his presidential campaign. The officer's body camera was not activated at the time of the shooting, a detail that drew additional scrutiny. Buttigieg faced intense criticism during a town hall meeting following the incident.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-06-24 |title=Pete Buttigieg's Response to a Fatal Police Shooting Roils Presidential Campaign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-shooting.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Relations between Buttigieg and South Bend's Black community remained a source of scrutiny throughout his time in public life, with coverage in ''The New York Times'' detailing the broader challenges his administration faced on issues of race and policing.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-08-30 |title=Pete Buttigieg and the South Bend Police |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Racial tensions and police-community relations continued to be a challenge for Buttigieg. In June 2019, during his presidential campaign, a South Bend police officer fatally shot Eric Logan, a Black man, an event that drew national attention and forced Buttigieg to temporarily leave the campaign trail to address the crisis in his city.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-06-24 |title=Pete Buttigieg and the South Bend Shooting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-shooting.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported extensively on the incident, which became a flashpoint in broader discussions about Buttigieg's record on racial justice and his ability to connect with Black voters.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-08-30 |title=Pete Buttigieg and South Bend Police |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2015, during his second term as mayor, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in an essay published in the ''South Bend Tribune'', becoming one of the highest-profile elected officials in Indiana to do so at the time. The announcement, made against the backdrop of national debates over [[same-sex marriage]] and Indiana's [[Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Indiana)|Religious Freedom Restoration Act]], drew national attention.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-06-12 |title=The First Gay President? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In 2015, while serving as mayor, Buttigieg came out publicly as gay in an essay published in the ''South Bend Tribune'', becoming one of the highest-profile elected officials in Indiana to do so. ''The New York Times'' featured him in a 2016 opinion piece discussing the significance of his coming out in the context of American political life.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-06-12 |title=The First Gay President? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Buttigieg was reelected as mayor in 2015 and declined to seek a third term, leaving office on January 1, 2020. He was succeeded by James Mueller.


In 2017, Buttigieg briefly entered the race for chairman of the [[Democratic National Committee]], a bid that raised his profile among national Democratic activists and donors, though he ultimately withdrew before the final vote.<ref>{{cite news |date=2017-01-05 |title=Pete Buttigieg and the DNC Chairman Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Buttigieg declined to seek a third term as mayor, with James Mueller succeeding him on January 1, 2020.
In early 2017, Buttigieg entered the race for chairman of the [[Democratic National Committee]], seeking to position himself as a fresh voice for the party following its losses in the 2016 elections. He ultimately withdrew from the contest before a vote was held.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2017-01-05 |title=Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Enters D.N.C. Chairman's Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== 2020 Presidential Campaign ===
=== 2020 Presidential Campaign ===


Buttigieg launched his campaign for the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 presidential election]] on April 14, 2019, entering a crowded field of Democratic candidates. He became the first openly gay man to launch a major-party presidential campaign in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fred Karger and Pete Buttigieg |url=https://abc7.com/fred-karger-pete-buttigieg-gay-openly-presidential-candidate/5352757/ |publisher=ABC7 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In a CNN interview in April 2019, he discussed his views on the relationship between capitalism and socialism, staking out a position as a pragmatic progressive.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg on socialism and capitalism |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/16/politics/pete-buttigieg-2020-socialism-capitalism-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Buttigieg formally launched his campaign for the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 presidential election]] on April 14, 2019, joining a large field of Democratic candidates.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-01-23 |title=Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Explores Presidential Bid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He became the first openly gay man to launch a major-party presidential campaign, though he was not the first openly gay person to seek a major-party presidential nomination—[[Fred Karger]], a Republican, had run in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019 |title=Fred Karger and Pete Buttigieg |url=https://abc7.com/fred-karger-pete-buttigieg-gay-openly-presidential-candidate/5352757/ |work=ABC7 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Despite initially low polling numbers and limited name recognition, Buttigieg gained significant momentum in mid-2019 through a series of town hall appearances and televised debates. He attracted attention for his rhetorical fluency, calm demeanor, and appeal to younger voters. His campaign raised substantial funds and built a competitive ground operation in the early primary states.
Despite initially low name recognition and poll numbers, Buttigieg's campaign gained substantial momentum in mid-2019. His participation in televised town hall meetings and Democratic primary debates, where he drew attention for his articulate delivery and policy positions, helped increase his national profile. During an April 2019 CNN town hall, Buttigieg discussed his views on capitalism and socialism, framing himself as a pragmatic candidate who rejected ideological labels.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-04-16 |title=Pete Buttigieg on socialism and capitalism |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/16/politics/pete-buttigieg-2020-socialism-capitalism-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In the [[2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses]], held in February 2020, Buttigieg narrowly won the state delegate equivalent count, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in U.S. history.<ref>{{cite news |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Senator [[Bernie Sanders]] of Vermont won the popular vote in Iowa, but Buttigieg held a narrow lead in state delegate equivalents, which determined the official result.<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg and Sanders in Iowa |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-won-iowa-popular-vote-buttigieg-electoral-college-2020-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Buttigieg and Sanders in Iowa (archived) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221214255/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/bernie-won-iowa-popular-vote-buttigieg-electoral-college-2020-2 |publisher=Business Insider Australia |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The Iowa caucuses were marred by reporting delays and technological problems, which overshadowed the results.
By the end of 2019, Buttigieg had risen to the top tier of Democratic candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire polling. The Iowa caucuses, held on February 3, 2020, produced a narrow result in which Buttigieg won the most state delegate equivalents, effectively claiming victory in the contest, while Senator [[Bernie Sanders]] won the popular vote.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Delegates and Winner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-02 |title=Bernie won the Iowa popular vote, Buttigieg won delegates |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-won-iowa-popular-vote-buttigieg-electoral-college-2020-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> With his Iowa performance, Buttigieg became the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in U.S. history.


Buttigieg followed his Iowa performance with a close second-place finish in the [[2020 New Hampshire Democratic primary|New Hampshire primary]], trailing Sanders.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/2/11/21133087/bernie-sanders-new-hampshire-democratic-primary-winner-2020 |work=Vox |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> However, his campaign struggled to build broader support, particularly among Black and Hispanic voters, in the subsequent contests in Nevada and South Carolina. On March 1, 2020, Buttigieg withdrew from the race, and the following day he endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden, a move that was widely seen as a consolidating moment for the moderate wing of the Democratic Party ahead of [[Super Tuesday]].
In the [[2020 New Hampshire Democratic primary|New Hampshire primary]] held on February 11, 2020, Buttigieg placed a close second behind Sanders.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-02-11 |title=Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire Democratic primary |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/2/11/21133087/bernie-sanders-new-hampshire-democratic-primary-winner-2020 |work=Vox |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> However, his campaign struggled to build a broad coalition, particularly among Black and Latino voters, a challenge that had been foreshadowed by the difficulties in his relationship with South Bend's Black community. After disappointing results in the Nevada caucuses and the South Carolina primary, Buttigieg withdrew from the race on March 1, 2020, and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden the following day. His endorsement, along with those of other departing candidates, was seen as an important consolidation of moderate Democratic support ahead of [[Super Tuesday]].


=== Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025) ===
=== Secretary of Transportation ===


In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden nominated Buttigieg to serve as [[United States Secretary of Transportation]]. The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on February 2, 2021, by a bipartisan vote of 86–13, and he was sworn in on February 3, 2021.<ref name="abc-cabinet">{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn |work=ABC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At age 38, Buttigieg was the youngest member of Biden's Cabinet and the youngest person to serve as Secretary of Transportation. His confirmation also made him the first openly gay person to serve in a confirmed Cabinet position in U.S. history.<ref name="abc-cabinet" />
On December 16, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden named Buttigieg as his nominee for [[United States Secretary of Transportation]]. The nomination was confirmed by the [[United States Senate]] on February 2, 2021, by a bipartisan vote of 86–13. Buttigieg was sworn in the following day, becoming the 19th Secretary of Transportation and the first openly gay person confirmed to a presidential Cabinet position in U.S. history.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-02-02 |title=Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn |work=ABC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At 38 years of age at the time of his nomination, he was the youngest member of the Biden Cabinet and the youngest person to serve as Secretary of Transportation.


As Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg oversaw the implementation of major portions of the [[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]], the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden in November 2021, which allocated hundreds of billions of dollars for transportation, broadband, and other infrastructure projects. He became one of the most visible members of the Biden Cabinet, frequently appearing in media to discuss infrastructure investments and transportation policy.
As Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg became one of the Biden administration's most prominent public communicators. He was a leading voice for the administration's infrastructure agenda and played a central role in promoting the [[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]], the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden in November 2021. In interviews and public appearances, Buttigieg advocated for modernizing the nation's roads, bridges, rail systems, and broadband infrastructure, and spoke against proposals such as a gas tax increase, exploring instead alternatives like a vehicle-miles-traveled fee.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-03-29 |title=Buttigieg on gas tax and mileage tax |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/buttigieg-no-gas-tax-mileage-tax-biden-infrastructure-plan-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In his early months in office, Buttigieg addressed questions about how the Biden administration planned to fund its infrastructure proposals. In a March 2021 CNN interview, he discussed the administration's position on funding mechanisms, including its stance against a gas tax increase and the consideration of alternative revenue sources such as a vehicle mileage tax.<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg on gas tax and mileage tax |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/buttigieg-no-gas-tax-mileage-tax-biden-infrastructure-plan-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |date=2021-03-29 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Buttigieg's tenure also coincided with significant disruptions to the nation's [[supply chain]], particularly in late 2021, when congestion at major ports and delays in goods delivery became a national issue. As Secretary of Transportation, he faced criticism from some quarters for the administration's response, though he defended the government's efforts to address the crisis through coordination with port authorities and freight companies.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-10-17 |title=Pete Buttigieg on supply chain issues |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/17/politics/pete-buttigieg-supply-chain-issues-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Buttigieg also faced scrutiny over the Biden administration's handling of supply chain disruptions that affected the U.S. economy in 2021. In an October 2021 CNN appearance, he discussed the administration's efforts to address backlogs at ports and disruptions in the global supply chain, which had contributed to product shortages and shipping delays.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg on supply chain issues |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/17/politics/pete-buttigieg-supply-chain-issues-cnntv/index.html |work=CNN |date=2021-10-17 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
During the 2024 presidential election cycle, press reports mentioned Buttigieg as a possible running mate for Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] when she launched her presidential campaign, though he was ultimately not selected for the ticket.


During his tenure, Buttigieg was mentioned in press reports as a possible running mate for Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] when she launched her [[Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign|2024 presidential campaign]], though he was not selected for the ticket. He served as Secretary of Transportation until January 20, 2025, when the Biden administration ended, and was succeeded by [[Sean Duffy]].
Buttigieg served as Secretary of Transportation until January 20, 2025, when the Biden administration concluded. He was succeeded by [[Sean Duffy]].


=== Post-Cabinet Activities (2025–present) ===
=== Post-Cabinet Activities ===


Following his departure from the Cabinet, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics and public discourse. In January 2026, ''The New York Times'' reported on Buttigieg's participation alongside Senator [[Cory Booker]] in efforts to press Republicans on health care policy, describing an event in a Wisconsin border town where Buttigieg spoke to voters.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-18 |title=Buttigieg and Booker Lead Push to Hammer Republicans on Health Care |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/us/politics/democrats-health-care-booker-buttigieg.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following his departure from the Cabinet, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics. In January 2026, he participated in events alongside Senator [[Cory Booker]] in Wisconsin, where they focused on healthcare policy and criticisms of Republican positions on the issue.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-01-18 |title=Buttigieg and Booker Lead Push to Hammer Republicans on Health Care |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/us/politics/democrats-health-care-booker-buttigieg.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In February 2026, Buttigieg made a multi-day visit to New Hampshire, a state that holds one of the earliest presidential primaries. During his visit, he spoke at the Concord City Auditorium, where he drew hundreds of attendees and addressed a range of policy issues.<ref>{{cite news |title=Speaking to crowd in Concord, Pete Buttigieg rails against planned ICE facility in Merrimack |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/pete-buttigieg-concord-new-hampshire/70449061 |work=WMUR |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The ''Concord Monitor'' reported that Buttigieg urged New Hampshire residents to envision a "post-Trump future," though he had not formally declared whether he would seek the presidency again.<ref>{{cite news |title='Better than before': In Concord visit, Pete Buttigieg asks NH to picture a post-Trump future |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/21/pete-buttigieg-nh-visit/ |work=Concord Monitor |date=2026-02-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> During the same visit, he toured the Granite YMCA in Concord, focusing on the issues of child care costs and access.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg tours Granite YMCA in Concord with focus on child care |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-tours-granite-ymca-in-concord-with-focus-on-child-care/ |work=Concord Monitor |date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also spoke in favor of increased government support for child care during the trip.<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg, Goodlander back increased government support for child care |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/buttigieg-goodlander-back-increased-government-171141535.html |work=Yahoo News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In February 2026, Buttigieg made a multi-day visit to New Hampshire, a state of considerable importance in presidential primary politics. He spoke at the Concord City Auditorium, addressed issues including child care access and affordability during a tour of the Granite YMCA in Concord, and urged audiences to envision a "post-Trump future."<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-22 |title=Speaking to crowd in Concord, Pete Buttigieg rails against planned ICE facility in Merrimack |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/pete-buttigieg-concord-new-hampshire/70449061 |work=WMUR |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-21 |title='Better than before': In Concord visit, Pete Buttigieg asks NH to picture a post-Trump future |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/21/pete-buttigieg-nh-visit/ |work=Concord Monitor |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-20 |title=Pete Buttigieg tours Granite YMCA in Concord with focus on child care |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-tours-granite-ymca-in-concord-with-focus-on-child-care/ |work=Concord Monitor |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also endorsed Shawn Harris, a Democrat running in a special election for a Georgia congressional seat to replace [[Marjorie Taylor Greene]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-20 |title=Pete Buttigieg endorses lone Democrat as Trump doubles down in Georgia |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-endorses-democrat-shawn-harris-to-replace-mtg-in-georgia/88774904007/ |work=USA Today |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also spoke in favor of increased government support for child care during his New Hampshire visit.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Buttigieg, Goodlander back increased government support for child care |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/buttigieg-goodlander-back-increased-government-171141535.html |work=Yahoo News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In February 2026, Buttigieg endorsed Shawn Harris, a Democrat running for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican [[Marjorie Taylor Greene]] in Georgia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Buttigieg endorses lone Democrat as Trump doubles down in Georgia |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-endorses-democrat-shawn-harris-to-replace-mtg-in-georgia/88774904007/ |work=USA Today |date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
A February 2026 poll of New Hampshire voters placed Buttigieg at 20% support among potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, ahead of California Governor [[Gavin Newsom]] and Representative [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-19 |title=Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state |work=Fox News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> As of February 2026, Buttigieg has not publicly stated whether he intends to run for president again.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-21 |title='Better than before': In Concord visit, Pete Buttigieg asks NH to picture a post-Trump future |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/21/pete-buttigieg-nh-visit/ |work=Concord Monitor |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


A Fox News poll conducted in February 2026 showed Buttigieg leading among potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates in New Hampshire with 20 percent support, ahead of California Governor [[Gavin Newsom]] and U.S. Representative [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state |work=Fox News |date=2026-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
== Personal Life ==


== Personal Life ==
In June 2015, while serving his second term as mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in an essay in the ''South Bend Tribune''. The announcement made him one of the highest-profile openly gay elected officials in the United States at the time.


Buttigieg came out publicly as gay in June 2015 while serving as mayor of South Bend, writing an essay in the ''South Bend Tribune'' that disclosed his sexual orientation.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016-06-12 |title=The First Gay President? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His coming out was covered by national media outlets and was notable given that he served in a conservative-leaning state. He was reelected as mayor later that year with a significant share of the vote.
Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman, a schoolteacher and writer, on June 16, 2018, in a ceremony held at the [[Cathedral of St. James (South Bend, Indiana)|Cathedral of St. James]] in South Bend.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2018-06-18 |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg Wedding |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/18/fashion/weddings/mayor-peter-buttigieg-wedding-democratic-party.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Chasten Buttigieg subsequently became a public figure in his own right, particularly during the 2020 presidential campaign. The couple have two children.


In June 2018, Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman, a schoolteacher and writer, in a ceremony in South Bend. ''The New York Times'' covered the wedding in its Weddings section.<ref>{{cite news |date=2018-06-18 |title=Mayor Peter Buttigieg Wedding |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/18/fashion/weddings/mayor-peter-buttigieg-wedding-democratic-party.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Chasten Buttigieg, who later took his husband's surname, became a public figure in his own right during the 2020 presidential campaign and subsequently published a memoir. The couple have two children.
Buttigieg is a polyglot who has demonstrated proficiency in several languages. He is a member of the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]].


Buttigieg is multilingual and has demonstrated proficiency in several languages, a fact that attracted media attention during his presidential campaign. His father, Joseph Buttigieg, died in January 2019, shortly before Pete launched his presidential campaign.
His father, Joseph Buttigieg, who died in January 2019, was a literary scholar known for his English translation of [[Antonio Gramsci]]'s ''[[Prison Notebooks]]''.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Buttigieg's career has been marked by several historic firsts. His victory in the 2020 Iowa caucuses made him the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His Senate confirmation as Secretary of Transportation in 2021 made him the first openly gay person to serve in a confirmed U.S. Cabinet position.<ref name="abc-cabinet" />
Buttigieg's career has included several notable distinctions. His victory in the 2020 Iowa caucuses made him the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in U.S. history.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-02-01 |title=Iowa Caucus Delegates and Winner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His confirmation as Secretary of Transportation in February 2021 made him the first openly gay person to serve in a presidential Cabinet.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-02-02 |title=Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn |work=ABC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


For his military service in Afghanistan, Buttigieg was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar placed him among an elite group of American scholars to study at the University of Oxford.
For his military service in the Navy Reserve, including his deployment to Afghanistan, Buttigieg received the [[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]. He was also a [[Rhodes Scholar]], one of a small number of U.S. politicians to have received the distinction.


During the 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg was the subject of extensive media coverage and was featured in numerous national profiles. His candidacy was seen as significant for LGBTQ representation in American politics. His initial announcement of his candidacy in January 2019 was covered by ''The New York Times'', which noted his youth, military service, and status as a small-city mayor seeking the nation's highest office.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-01-23 |title=Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Enters the 2020 Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
During his presidential campaign and later as Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg became known for his media fluency and his appearances on cable news and in town hall formats. A 2016 ''New York Times'' opinion piece had identified him as a rising figure in American politics, speculating about his future potential.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-06-12 |title=The First Gay President? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
As of early 2026, Buttigieg continued to be cited in national polling and media coverage as a leading figure within the Democratic Party and a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state |work=Fox News |date=2026-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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<references />


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Latest revision as of 02:06, 24 February 2026


Pete Buttigieg
BornPeter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg
19 1, 1982
BirthplaceSouth Bend, Indiana, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, former naval intelligence officer
Known for19th United States Secretary of Transportation; 32nd Mayor of South Bend, Indiana; first openly gay person confirmed to a U.S. Cabinet position
EducationHarvard University (BA), Pembroke College, Oxford (BA)
Spouse(s)Chasten Buttigieg (m. 2018)
Children2
AwardsJoint Service Commendation Medal

Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell; born January 19, 1982) is an American politician and former United States Navy Reserve intelligence officer who served as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, Buttigieg previously served as the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, a tenure that earned him the informal moniker "Mayor Pete."[2] A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg entered the national spotlight as a candidate in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, becoming the first openly gay man to win a presidential primary or caucus when he captured the Iowa caucuses.[3] His confirmation as Secretary of Transportation made him the first openly gay person confirmed to a presidential Cabinet position in United States history. Since leaving the Cabinet in January 2025, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics and has been mentioned as a potential candidate in the 2028 presidential election.[4]

Early Life

Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. His father, Joseph Buttigieg, was a Maltese-born immigrant who became a professor of English at the University of Notre Dame, and his mother, Jennifer Anne Montgomery, was also a faculty member at Notre Dame. The surname Buttigieg, of Maltese origin, became the subject of considerable public discussion during his presidential campaign, with multiple news outlets publishing guides on its pronunciation.[5][6]

Buttigieg grew up in South Bend, a city whose economic identity had been shaped by the presence and subsequent departure of the Studebaker automobile company. His upbringing in the post-industrial Midwest would later inform much of his political outlook, particularly his emphasis on economic revitalization and infrastructure investment. He attended St. Joseph High School in South Bend, where he excelled academically.

Education

Buttigieg enrolled at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His academic achievements at Harvard were followed by a Rhodes Scholarship to attend the University of Oxford, where he studied at Pembroke College and earned a second Bachelor of Arts degree. The Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most competitive international academic awards, placed Buttigieg among a select cohort of scholars recognized for their intellectual and leadership potential.

Career

Early Political Work and McKinsey

Before launching his own political campaigns, Buttigieg worked on the campaigns of several Democratic candidates, including Jill Long Thompson, Joe Donnelly, and John Kerry. These early experiences provided him with exposure to the operational mechanics of American electoral politics at both the state and national levels.

In 2007, Buttigieg began working at McKinsey & Company, the global management consulting firm, where he spent approximately three years. During the 2020 presidential campaign, his tenure at McKinsey became a subject of public scrutiny, with rivals and media outlets pressing him to disclose the clients he had served during his time at the firm. In December 2019, Buttigieg released a summary of his work at McKinsey, which included projects for a health insurance company, a retail company, the U.S. Defense Department, and other organizations.[7]

In 2010, Buttigieg ran as the Democratic nominee for Indiana State Treasurer but was unsuccessful in the general election. The race, though a loss, raised his profile within Indiana Democratic circles.

Military Service

From 2009 to 2017, Buttigieg served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He attained the rank of lieutenant and was assigned to Naval Intelligence. In 2014, while serving as mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg was mobilized and deployed to the war in Afghanistan for a seven-month tour. His deployment was notable given that he was simultaneously serving as a sitting mayor. For his service, he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Mayor of South Bend

Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in 2011, taking office on January 1, 2012, at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest mayors of a U.S. city with a population above 100,000 at the time. He succeeded Steve Luecke in the office.[8]

As mayor, Buttigieg oversaw various urban revitalization initiatives in South Bend, a city that had experienced decades of economic decline following the closure of the Studebaker factories. His administration focused on redevelopment of the city's downtown area, including the transformation of infrastructure and efforts to attract new business and investment to the region.

One of the more contentious aspects of Buttigieg's mayoral tenure involved the South Bend Police Department. Early in his first term, Buttigieg asked Darryl Boykins, the city's first Black police chief, to resign amid a federal investigation into the secret recording of police officers' phone conversations. The episode generated lasting criticism from some members of South Bend's Black community, who saw Boykins's removal as a loss of representation in the city's leadership.[9]

In June 2019, the fatal shooting of Eric Logan, a Black man, by a white South Bend police officer further complicated Buttigieg's relationship with the city's Black residents and became a significant issue during his presidential campaign. The officer's body camera was not activated at the time of the shooting, a detail that drew additional scrutiny. Buttigieg faced intense criticism during a town hall meeting following the incident.[10] Relations between Buttigieg and South Bend's Black community remained a source of scrutiny throughout his time in public life, with coverage in The New York Times detailing the broader challenges his administration faced on issues of race and policing.[11]

In 2015, during his second term as mayor, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in an essay published in the South Bend Tribune, becoming one of the highest-profile elected officials in Indiana to do so at the time. The announcement, made against the backdrop of national debates over same-sex marriage and Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, drew national attention.[12]

Buttigieg was reelected as mayor in 2015 and declined to seek a third term, leaving office on January 1, 2020. He was succeeded by James Mueller.

In early 2017, Buttigieg entered the race for chairman of the Democratic National Committee, seeking to position himself as a fresh voice for the party following its losses in the 2016 elections. He ultimately withdrew from the contest before a vote was held.[13]

2020 Presidential Campaign

Buttigieg formally launched his campaign for the 2020 presidential election on April 14, 2019, joining a large field of Democratic candidates.[14] He became the first openly gay man to launch a major-party presidential campaign, though he was not the first openly gay person to seek a major-party presidential nomination—Fred Karger, a Republican, had run in 2012.[15]

Despite initially low name recognition and poll numbers, Buttigieg's campaign gained substantial momentum in mid-2019. His participation in televised town hall meetings and Democratic primary debates, where he drew attention for his articulate delivery and policy positions, helped increase his national profile. During an April 2019 CNN town hall, Buttigieg discussed his views on capitalism and socialism, framing himself as a pragmatic candidate who rejected ideological labels.[16]

By the end of 2019, Buttigieg had risen to the top tier of Democratic candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire polling. The Iowa caucuses, held on February 3, 2020, produced a narrow result in which Buttigieg won the most state delegate equivalents, effectively claiming victory in the contest, while Senator Bernie Sanders won the popular vote.[17][18] With his Iowa performance, Buttigieg became the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in U.S. history.

In the New Hampshire primary held on February 11, 2020, Buttigieg placed a close second behind Sanders.[19] However, his campaign struggled to build a broad coalition, particularly among Black and Latino voters, a challenge that had been foreshadowed by the difficulties in his relationship with South Bend's Black community. After disappointing results in the Nevada caucuses and the South Carolina primary, Buttigieg withdrew from the race on March 1, 2020, and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden the following day. His endorsement, along with those of other departing candidates, was seen as an important consolidation of moderate Democratic support ahead of Super Tuesday.

Secretary of Transportation

On December 16, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden named Buttigieg as his nominee for United States Secretary of Transportation. The nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 2, 2021, by a bipartisan vote of 86–13. Buttigieg was sworn in the following day, becoming the 19th Secretary of Transportation and the first openly gay person confirmed to a presidential Cabinet position in U.S. history.[20] At 38 years of age at the time of his nomination, he was the youngest member of the Biden Cabinet and the youngest person to serve as Secretary of Transportation.

As Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg became one of the Biden administration's most prominent public communicators. He was a leading voice for the administration's infrastructure agenda and played a central role in promoting the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden in November 2021. In interviews and public appearances, Buttigieg advocated for modernizing the nation's roads, bridges, rail systems, and broadband infrastructure, and spoke against proposals such as a gas tax increase, exploring instead alternatives like a vehicle-miles-traveled fee.[21]

Buttigieg's tenure also coincided with significant disruptions to the nation's supply chain, particularly in late 2021, when congestion at major ports and delays in goods delivery became a national issue. As Secretary of Transportation, he faced criticism from some quarters for the administration's response, though he defended the government's efforts to address the crisis through coordination with port authorities and freight companies.[22]

During the 2024 presidential election cycle, press reports mentioned Buttigieg as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris when she launched her presidential campaign, though he was ultimately not selected for the ticket.

Buttigieg served as Secretary of Transportation until January 20, 2025, when the Biden administration concluded. He was succeeded by Sean Duffy.

Post-Cabinet Activities

Following his departure from the Cabinet, Buttigieg has remained active in Democratic politics. In January 2026, he participated in events alongside Senator Cory Booker in Wisconsin, where they focused on healthcare policy and criticisms of Republican positions on the issue.[23]

In February 2026, Buttigieg made a multi-day visit to New Hampshire, a state of considerable importance in presidential primary politics. He spoke at the Concord City Auditorium, addressed issues including child care access and affordability during a tour of the Granite YMCA in Concord, and urged audiences to envision a "post-Trump future."[24][25][26] He also endorsed Shawn Harris, a Democrat running in a special election for a Georgia congressional seat to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene.[27] He also spoke in favor of increased government support for child care during his New Hampshire visit.[28]

A February 2026 poll of New Hampshire voters placed Buttigieg at 20% support among potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, ahead of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[29] As of February 2026, Buttigieg has not publicly stated whether he intends to run for president again.[30]

Personal Life

In June 2015, while serving his second term as mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in an essay in the South Bend Tribune. The announcement made him one of the highest-profile openly gay elected officials in the United States at the time.

Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman, a schoolteacher and writer, on June 16, 2018, in a ceremony held at the Cathedral of St. James in South Bend.[31] Chasten Buttigieg subsequently became a public figure in his own right, particularly during the 2020 presidential campaign. The couple have two children.

Buttigieg is a polyglot who has demonstrated proficiency in several languages. He is a member of the Episcopal Church.

His father, Joseph Buttigieg, who died in January 2019, was a literary scholar known for his English translation of Antonio Gramsci's Prison Notebooks.

Recognition

Buttigieg's career has included several notable distinctions. His victory in the 2020 Iowa caucuses made him the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus in U.S. history.[32] His confirmation as Secretary of Transportation in February 2021 made him the first openly gay person to serve in a presidential Cabinet.[33]

For his military service in the Navy Reserve, including his deployment to Afghanistan, Buttigieg received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was also a Rhodes Scholar, one of a small number of U.S. politicians to have received the distinction.

During his presidential campaign and later as Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg became known for his media fluency and his appearances on cable news and in town hall formats. A 2016 New York Times opinion piece had identified him as a rising figure in American politics, speculating about his future potential.[34]

References

  1. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate".ABC News.2021-02-02.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg's Tenure as Mayor: Highlights and Challenges".The New York Times.2020-01-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Iowa Caucus Results".The New York Times.2020-02-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state".Fox News.2026-02-19.https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "How to Pronounce Pete Buttigieg's Name".The Cut.2019-03.https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg-name.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "How to pronounce Pete Buttigieg".CNN.2019-01-23.https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/how-to-pronounce-pete-buttigieg/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg's McKinsey Clients Revealed".The New York Times.2019-12-10.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mckinsey-clients.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg's Tenure as Mayor: Highlights and Challenges".The New York Times.2020-01-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Buttigieg and the Black Police Chief".The New York Times.2019-04-19.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/19/us/politics/buttigieg-black-police-chief-fired.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg's Response to a Fatal Police Shooting Roils Presidential Campaign".The New York Times.2019-06-24.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-shooting.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg and the South Bend Police".The New York Times.2019-08-30.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "The First Gay President?".The New York Times.2016-06-12.https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Enters D.N.C. Chairman's Race".The New York Times.2017-01-05.https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Explores Presidential Bid".The New York Times.2019-01-23.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend-president.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Fred Karger and Pete Buttigieg".ABC7.2019.https://abc7.com/fred-karger-pete-buttigieg-gay-openly-presidential-candidate/5352757/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg on socialism and capitalism".CNN.2019-04-16.https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/16/politics/pete-buttigieg-2020-socialism-capitalism-cnntv/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Iowa Caucus Delegates and Winner".The New York Times.2020-02-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Bernie won the Iowa popular vote, Buttigieg won delegates".Business Insider.2020-02.https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-won-iowa-popular-vote-buttigieg-electoral-college-2020-2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire Democratic primary".Vox.2020-02-11.https://www.vox.com/2020/2/11/21133087/bernie-sanders-new-hampshire-democratic-primary-winner-2020.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate".ABC News.2021-02-02.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "Buttigieg on gas tax and mileage tax".CNN.2021-03-29.https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/buttigieg-no-gas-tax-mileage-tax-biden-infrastructure-plan-cnntv/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg on supply chain issues".CNN.2021-10-17.https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/17/politics/pete-buttigieg-supply-chain-issues-cnntv/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Buttigieg and Booker Lead Push to Hammer Republicans on Health Care".The New York Times.2026-01-18.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/us/politics/democrats-health-care-booker-buttigieg.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Speaking to crowd in Concord, Pete Buttigieg rails against planned ICE facility in Merrimack".WMUR.2026-02-22.https://www.wmur.com/article/pete-buttigieg-concord-new-hampshire/70449061.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "'Better than before': In Concord visit, Pete Buttigieg asks NH to picture a post-Trump future".Concord Monitor.2026-02-21.https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/21/pete-buttigieg-nh-visit/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg tours Granite YMCA in Concord with focus on child care".Concord Monitor.2026-02-20.https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-tours-granite-ymca-in-concord-with-focus-on-child-care/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  27. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg endorses lone Democrat as Trump doubles down in Georgia".USA Today.2026-02-20.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/02/20/pete-buttigieg-endorses-democrat-shawn-harris-to-replace-mtg-in-georgia/88774904007/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  28. ↑ "Buttigieg, Goodlander back increased government support for child care".Yahoo News.2026-02-23.https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/buttigieg-goodlander-back-increased-government-171141535.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Buttigieg, Newsom, AOC top three in new 2028 poll in key presidential primary state".Fox News.2026-02-19.https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-newsom-aoc-top-three-new-2028-poll-key-presidential-primary-state.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  30. ↑ "'Better than before': In Concord visit, Pete Buttigieg asks NH to picture a post-Trump future".Concord Monitor.2026-02-21.https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/02/21/pete-buttigieg-nh-visit/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  31. ↑ "Mayor Pete Buttigieg Wedding".The New York Times.2018-06-18.https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/18/fashion/weddings/mayor-peter-buttigieg-wedding-democratic-party.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  32. ↑ "Iowa Caucus Delegates and Winner".The New York Times.2020-02-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/us/politics/iowa-caucus-delegates-winner.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  33. ↑ "Pete Buttigieg makes history as 1st openly gay Cabinet member to be confirmed by Senate".ABC News.2021-02-02.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pete-buttigieg-makes-history-1st-openly-gay-cabinet/story?id=75633503&cid=social_twitter_abcn.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  34. ↑ "The First Gay President?".The New York Times.2016-06-12.https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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