Career Timeline of Pete Buttigieg: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Pete Buttigieg built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Pete Buttigieg is an American politician and former naval officer. He served as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Before that, he was the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, gaining the moniker "Mayor Pete." A member of the Democratic Party, Buttigieg is a prominent figure in American politics, known for his relatively young age and his focus on infrastructure and policy.
2004: Policy and Research Specialist
In 2004, Pete Buttigieg worked on John Kerry's presidential campaign as a policy and research specialist in Arizona and New Mexico.
2005: Conference Director at the Cohen Group
From 2004 to 2005, Pete Buttigieg was conference director of the Cohen Group.
2005: Involved with the Truman National Security Project
Since 2005, Pete Buttigieg has been involved with the Truman National Security Project, serving as a fellow.
2006: Assisted Joe Donnelly's Campaign
In 2006, Pete Buttigieg assisted Joe Donnelly's successful congressional campaign.
2007: Consultant at McKinsey & Company
In 2007, Pete Buttigieg became a consultant at the Chicago office of McKinsey & Company, working on energy, retail, economic development, and logistics.
2008: Research Director for Jill Long Thompson's Campaign
In 2008, Pete Buttigieg took a leave of absence from McKinsey to become research director for Jill Long Thompson's unsuccessful campaign for Indiana governor.
September 2009: Joined U.S. Navy Reserve
In September 2009, Pete Buttigieg joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as an ensign in naval intelligence.
2010: Left McKinsey & Company
In 2010, Pete Buttigieg left McKinsey & Company to focus on his campaign for Indiana state treasurer.
2010: Democratic Nominee for State Treasurer
In 2010, Pete Buttigieg was the Democratic nominee for state treasurer of Indiana, but lost to Republican Richard Mourdock.
May 3, 2011: Won Democratic Primary for South Bend Mayor
On May 3, 2011, Pete Buttigieg won his primary election against four opponents, receiving 7,663 votes, running for the Democratic nomination for mayor of South Bend.
November 2011: Elected Mayor of South Bend
In November 2011, Pete Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend, receiving 10,991 votes.
January 2012: Took Office as Mayor of South Bend
In January 2012, Pete Buttigieg took office as mayor of South Bend.
2013: City Launches 3-1-1 System
In 2013, Mayor Buttigieg's administration oversaw the city's launching of a 3-1-1 system.
2013: Smart Streets Urban Development Program Proposed
In 2013, Pete Buttigieg proposed the Smart Streets urban development program to improve South Bend's downtown area.
February 2014: Mark Neal Served as Executive
From February 2014, Deputy Mayor Mark Neal served as executive in Pete Buttigieg's absence when Buttigieg was deployed to Afghanistan.
September 23, 2014: Buttigieg Returned to the United States
Pete Buttigieg returned to the United States on September 23, 2014, while serving as mayor.
October 2014: Buttigieg Returned to Role as Mayor
In October 2014, Pete Buttigieg returned to his role as mayor in South Bend.
2014: Deployed to Afghanistan
In 2014, Pete Buttigieg took a seven-month leave during his mayoral term to deploy to Afghanistan as part of the U.S. Navy Reserve.
2014: Named to Board of Advisors
In 2014, Pete Buttigieg was named to the Truman National Security Project's board of advisors.
May 2015: Unveiling of "River Lights" installation
In May 2015, the "River Lights" installation was unveiled as part of South Bend's 150th anniversary celebrations.
June 2015: Coming out as gay
In June 2015, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in a piece in the South Bend Tribune, becoming Indiana's first openly gay elected executive. He was the first elected official in Indiana to come out while in office and the highest elected official in Indiana to come out.
November 2015: Elected to Second Term as Mayor
In November 2015, Pete Buttigieg was elected to his second term as mayor, securing over 80 percent of the vote against Republican Kelly Jones.
November 2015: Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative Reached Goal
In November 2015, the "Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative" reached its goal two months before its scheduled end date.
2015: Secured Bond Issue for Smart Streets
In early 2015, after traffic studies and public hearings, Pete Buttigieg secured a bond issue for the Smart Streets program backed by tax increment financing.
2016: Signs Executive Order for City ID
In 2016, after winning reelection, Pete Buttigieg signed an executive order to help establish a recognized city identification card in South Bend.
2016: Smart Streets Project Implementation
In 2016, elements of the Smart Streets implementation project were completed.
2016: Studebaker Complex Renovation Groundbreaking
In 2016, the City of South Bend partnered with the State of Indiana and private developers to break ground on a $165-million renovation of the former Studebaker complex, hoping that the redevelopment would facilitate industrial and housing units.
2016: Campaigns for Evan Bayh
In the 2016 U.S. Senate election in Indiana, Pete Buttigieg campaigned on behalf of Democratic Senate nominee Evan Bayh. He also endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries.
January 2017: Announces Candidacy for DNC Chair
In January 2017, Pete Buttigieg announced his candidacy for chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in its 2017 chairmanship election.
2017: Increased Out-of-City Travel
Following his run in the 2017 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election, Pete Buttigieg increased his out-of-city travel as his national profile grew.
2017: Left U.S. Navy Reserve
In 2017, Pete Buttigieg left the U.S. Navy Reserve.
2017: Studebaker Building 84 Renovation Announcement
In 2017, it was announced that the long-abandoned Studebaker Building 84, also known as Ivy Tower, would have its exterior renovated with funds from the State of Indiana and South Bend tax increment financing, with plans to serve as a technology hub.
2017: Smart Streets Project Completion
In 2017, the Smart Streets urban development program was officially completed.
2017: Smart Sewer Program Phase One Completion
In 2017, under Pete Buttigieg, the first phase of the city's smart sewer program was completed at a cost of $150 million.
August 2018: Proposed Relocation of South Shore Line Station
In August 2018, Pete Buttigieg promoted the idea of moving the city's South Shore Line station from South Bend International Airport to the city's downtown.
December 2018: Announcement of not seeking third term
In December 2018, Pete Buttigieg announced that he would not seek a third term as mayor of South Bend.
2018: Speculation of running for Governor or President
By early 2018, there was speculation that Pete Buttigieg would run for either governor or president in 2020.
2018: Founded Hitting Home PAC
For the 2018 midterms, Pete Buttigieg founded the political action committee (PAC) Hitting Home PAC and personally endorsed 21 congressional candidates. He also later endorsed Mel Hall, Democratic nominee in the 2018 election for Indiana's 2nd congressional district.
January 23, 2019: Announces run for President
On January 23, 2019, Pete Buttigieg officially announced his run for president.
February 12, 2019: Publishes Debut Book
On February 12, 2019, Pete Buttigieg published his debut book, autobiography Shortest Way Home.
April 14, 2019: Launch of Presidential Campaign
On April 14, 2019, Pete Buttigieg launched his campaign for the 2020 presidential election, becoming the first openly gay man to launch a Democratic presidential campaign.
April 2019: Climate Plan Development Approved
In April 2019, the Common Council approved Pete Buttigieg's request to enable his administration to develop a city climate plan.
May 2019: Mueller Wins Democratic Primary
In May 2019, James Mueller, endorsed by Buttigieg, won the Democratic primary for the South Bend mayoral election with 37 percent of the vote.
November 2019: Review of South Bend Police Department Policies
In November 2019, Pete Buttigieg secured funding to commission a review of South Bend's police department policies and practices, to be conducted by 21CP Solutions.
November 2019: Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan Approved
In late November 2019, the city's Common Council voted 7–0 to approve the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan, setting emission reduction goals for 2025 and 2035.
November 2019: James Mueller Wins General Election
In the November 2019 general election, James Mueller, endorsed by Buttigieg, defeated Republican nominee Sean M. Haas with 63 percent of the vote.
December 2019: Rises into Top-Tier of Candidates
By December 2019, Pete Buttigieg had risen into the top-tier of candidates in the Democratic primary.
2019: Private Investment in South Bend
By 2019, South Bend had seen $374 million in private investment for mixed-use developments since Buttigieg had taken office.
2019: Request to be Released from EPA Agreement
In 2019, Pete Buttigieg requested that the city be released from an agreement with the EPA to make further improvements to its sewer system by 2031.
2019: Commuters Trust Transportation Program Launched
In 2019, South Bend launched Commuters Trust, a new transportation benefit program created in collaboration with local employers and transportation providers, including South Bend Transpo and Lyft.
February 2020: Led Iowa Democratic Caucuses
In early February 2020, Pete Buttigieg led the Iowa Democratic caucuses results.
March 1, 2020: Dropping out of Presidential Race
On March 1, 2020, Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the presidential race.
April 2020: Win The Era PAC Launched
In April 2020, Pete Buttigieg launched Win The Era PAC, a new super PAC to raise money and distribute it to down-ballot Democrats.
June 8, 2020: Hired as Teacher and Researcher at Notre Dame
On June 8, 2020, the University of Notre Dame announced that it had hired Pete Buttigieg as a teacher and researcher for the 2020–21 academic year.
September 5, 2020: Member of Biden-Harris Transition Team Advisory Council
On September 5, 2020, Pete Buttigieg was announced to be a member of the advisory council of the Biden-Harris Transition Team that was planning the presidential transition of Joe Biden.
October 2020: Released Second Book
In October 2020, Pete Buttigieg released his second book, Trust: America's Best Chance.
November 7, 2020: Biden Declared Winner of Election
Following the end of his presidential campaign, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election on November 7, 2020, Pete Buttigieg was mentioned as a possible nominee for various Cabinet positions.
December 15, 2020: Nominated as Secretary of Transportation
On December 15, 2020, Joe Biden announced that he would nominate Pete Buttigieg as his Secretary of Transportation.
December 2020: Nomination for Secretary of Transportation
In December 2020, President-elect Biden nominated Buttigieg as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation.
2020: Speculation of running for Governor or President
By early 2018, there was speculation that Pete Buttigieg would run for either governor or president in 2020.
2020: Presidential Election Year
In January 2019, Buttigieg announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States in the upcoming 2020 election.
2020: Mueller Takes Office
James Mueller, endorsed by Pete Buttigieg in the 2019 South Bend mayoral election, took office on New Year's Day 2020.
February 2, 2021: Confirmation as Secretary of Transportation
On February 2, 2021, Pete Buttigieg's nomination as Secretary of Transportation was confirmed, making him the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S. history.
March 2021: Consideration of Tolls on Interstate 80
In March 2021, Buttigieg indicated he was open to tolls on Interstate 80, while suggesting "big picture solutions" like a mileage tax. However, the Biden administration did not include a gas tax or mileage tax in the infrastructure plan.
March 2021: Prioritization of Gateway Rail Tunnel Project
In late March 2021, Buttigieg informed Congress that the Biden administration planned to prioritize the construction of the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project due to its economic significance. He also promoted the American Jobs Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
May 19, 2021: Reinstatement of Obama-era pilot program
On May 19, 2021, Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg reinstated an Obama-era pilot program that ensures local hiring for public works projects, aiming to aid minorities and disadvantaged individuals. This program had been revoked in 2017 during the Trump administration.
June 2021: Appointment to White House Task Force on Supply Chain Disruptions
In June 2021, Buttigieg was appointed as one of the leaders of a White House task force created to address supply chain disruptions.
October 2021: Addressing Global Supply Bottlenecks
In October 2021, Buttigieg addressed the issue of global supply bottlenecks, which had led to record shortages of household goods for American consumers. He cited high demand and the pandemic as contributing factors and predicted disruptions would continue.
June 2022: Launch of Reconnecting Communities pilot program
In June 2022, Buttigieg launched a $1 billion Reconnecting Communities pilot program aimed at establishing racial equity in roads, utilizing funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program seeks to reconnect cities and neighborhoods divided by roads through various projects.
March 2023: Opposition to Spirit-Frontier merger
In March 2023, Buttigieg opposed the proposed merger of Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, citing anti-competitive concerns.
December 2023: Record fine on Southwest Airlines
In December 2023, Buttigieg's Department of Transportation imposed a record fine of $140 million on Southwest Airlines for mass violations of consumer protection laws in 2022 due to flight cancellations.
October 30, 2024: Rule for Automatic Airline Refunds
On October 30, 2024, Buttigieg announced the effective date of a rule requiring airlines to automatically provide refunds to passengers for canceled flights or unprovided paid services.
January 2025: Consideration of U.S. Senate Run
In January 2025, news reports indicated that Buttigieg was considering a run for U.S. Senate in Michigan following the announced retirement of Senator Gary Peters.
March 2025: Decision Against Senate Run, Mulling Presidential Run
In March 2025, Buttigieg opted not to run for the U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2026 and was instead reportedly considering a run for president in 2028.
April 2025: Fellow at University of Chicago Institute of Politics
From February to April 2025, Buttigieg served as a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, delivering a weekly seminar on campus.
2025: South Shore Line Station Relocation Goal
In August 2018, Pete Buttigieg made it a goal to have the city complete the South Shore Line station relocation project by 2025.
2025: Paris Agreement Emission Reduction Goal
In late November 2019, the city's Common Council approved the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan, setting the goal of meeting the Paris Agreement's 26-percent emission reduction by 2025.
2035: Further Emission Reduction Goal
In late November 2019, the city's Common Council approved the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan and aiming for a further reductions of 45 percent by 2035.
2050: Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan Goal
In November 2019, the city's Common Council voted 7–0 to approve the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan, setting the goal of meeting the Paris Agreement's 26-percent emission reduction by 2025, and aiming for a further reductions of 45 percent by 2035.
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