Career Timeline of Pete Buttigieg: Major Achievements and Milestones

2001: Support for Afghanistan Invasion

Pete Buttigieg has said that he believes the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks was justified.

2004: Work on Kerry's presidential campaign

In 2004, after college, Buttigieg worked on John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign as a policy and research specialist in Arizona and New Mexico.

2005: Conference Director at the Cohen Group

From 2004 to 2005, Buttigieg was the conference director of the Cohen Group.

2005: Involvement with Truman National Security Project

In 2005, Buttigieg became involved with the Truman National Security Project and serves as a fellow.

2006: Assistance to Joe Donnelly's campaign

In 2006, Buttigieg assisted Joe Donnelly's successful congressional campaign.

2007: Consultant at McKinsey & Company

In 2007, after earning his Oxford degree, Buttigieg became a consultant at the Chicago office of McKinsey & Company.

2008: Research Director for Jill Long Thompson's Campaign

In 2008, Buttigieg took a leave of absence from McKinsey to become research director for Jill Long Thompson's unsuccessful campaign for Indiana governor.

2008: Op-Ed Supporting Somaliland

In 2008, Pete Buttigieg wrote an op-ed in The New York Times calling on the United States to support the de facto independent Republic of Somaliland.

September 2009: Sworn into U.S. Navy Reserve

In September 2009, Buttigieg joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and was sworn in as an ensign in naval intelligence.

2010: Departure from McKinsey

Buttigieg left McKinsey in 2010 in order to focus full-time on his campaign for Indiana state treasurer.

2010: Democratic nominee for state treasurer

In 2010, Buttigieg was the Democratic nominee for state treasurer of Indiana but lost to the Republican incumbent.

May 3, 2011: Won Democratic primary for South Bend mayor

On May 3, 2011, Buttigieg won the Democratic primary election for mayor of South Bend.

November 2011: Elected mayor of South Bend

In November 2011, Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend.

January 2012: Buttigieg took office as mayor of South Bend

In January 2012, Buttigieg took office as mayor of South Bend, becoming the second-youngest mayor in South Bend history and the youngest incumbent mayor of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents at the time.

2013: Launching of 3-1-1 System

In 2013, 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. This initiative aimed to revitalize the city center through strategic infrastructure improvements.

September 23, 2014: Returned to the United States

Buttigieg returned to the United States on September 23, 2014 after serving as mayor for seven months in Afghanistan.

October 2014: Buttigieg returned to his role as mayor

In October 2014, Buttigieg returned to his role as mayor after a seven-month leave to deploy to Afghanistan.

2014: Announced campaign for a second term

In 2014, Buttigieg announced that he would seek a second term in 2015.

2014: Deployment to Afghanistan

In 2014, Buttigieg took a seven-month leave during his mayoral term to deploy to Afghanistan as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

2014: Appointment to the Board of Advisors

In 2014, Buttigieg was named to the board of advisors of the Truman National Security Project.

May 2015: "River Lights" Installation Unveiled

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, Pete Buttigieg came out as gay in a piece in the South Bend Tribune, becoming Indiana's first openly gay elected executive.

November 2015: Re-elected as mayor of South Bend

In November 2015, Buttigieg was re-elected to his second term as mayor of South Bend.

November 2015: Completion of Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative

In November 2015, the "Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative" reached its goal two months before its scheduled end date.

2015: Recipient of the Fenn Award

In 2015, Buttigieg was a recipient of the Fenn Award, given by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in recognition of his work as mayor.

2015: Smart Streets Bond Issue Secured

In early 2015, after conducting traffic studies and public hearings, Buttigieg secured a bond issue for the Smart Streets program. The funding was backed by tax increment financing, enabling the project to move forward.

2015: 2015 Rail Safety Rule

In the weeks following the derailment, the Transportation Department, under Buttigieg, did not move to reinstate the 2015 rail safety rule aimed at expanding the use of better braking technology, which the Trump administration had revoked.

2016: Executive order to establish a city identification card

After winning reelection, Buttigieg signed an executive order in 2016 helping to establish a recognized city identification card.

2016: Campaigning in the 2016 U.S. Senate Election

In 2016, Buttigieg campaigned on behalf of Democratic Senate nominee Evan Bayh. He also endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries and Lynn Coleman in the election for Indiana's 2nd congressional district.

2016: Smart Streets Project Elements Finished

In 2016, elements of the Smart Streets project were completed. This complete streets implementation program was aimed at improving economic development, urban vibrancy, and road safety in South Bend.

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. The goal was to facilitate industrial and housing units in the Renaissance District.

January 2017: Candidacy for DNC Chair Announced

In January 2017, Buttigieg announced his candidacy for chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in its 2017 chairmanship election. He campaigned on empowering millennial members.

March 2017: Defense of DACA and Criticism of Deportation Policies

In March 2017, Pete Buttigieg wrote an article defending a resident of Granger, Indiana, who was deported after living in the U.S. for 17 years.

2017: Increased National Profile

Following his run in the 2017 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election, Buttigieg's national profile grew, leading to increased out-of-city travel.

2017: Left the U.S. Navy Reserve

In 2017, Buttigieg left the U.S. Navy Reserve.

2017: Ivy Tower Renovation Announcement

In 2017, it was announced that the long-abandoned Studebaker Building 84, also known as Ivy Tower, would have its exterior renovated. This project was funded with $3.5 million from the State of Indiana and $3.5 million from South Bend tax increment financing, with plans for the building to serve as a technology hub.

2017: Smart Streets Project Completed

In 2017, the Smart Streets project was officially completed in South Bend. This initiative was credited with spurring private development in the city, marking a significant achievement for Buttigieg's administration.

2017: Smart Sewer Program's First Phase Completed

In 2017, the first phase of South Bend's smart sewer program was completed at a cost of $150 million. This effort, utilizing federal funds, aimed to reduce combined sewer overflow.

June 16, 2018: Marriage to Chasten Glezman

On June 16, 2018, Pete Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman in a private ceremony, making him the first mayor of South Bend to get married while in office.

August 2018: South Shore Line Station Relocation Idea Promoted

In August 2018, Buttigieg promoted the idea of moving South Bend's South Shore Line station from South Bend International Airport to the city's downtown, aiming to improve transportation infrastructure.

December 2018: Announcement Not Seeking Third Term as Mayor

In December 2018, Buttigieg announced that he would not seek a third term as mayor of South Bend. He then endorsed James Mueller in the 2019 South Bend mayoral election.

2018: Speculation of Running for Governor or President

By early 2018, there was speculation that Buttigieg would run for either governor or president in 2020, as his national profile continued to rise.

2018: Founded Hitting Home PAC and Endorsements

In 2018, Buttigieg founded the political action committee (PAC) Hitting Home PAC. That October, Buttigieg personally endorsed 21 congressional candidates. He also endorsed Mel Hall and campaigned for Joe Donnelly's reelection.

2018: Support for Medicare for All

In 2018, Pete Buttigieg said he favored Medicare for All.

January 2019: Criticism of Trump's Troop Deployment to Southern Border

In January 2019, Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump's decision to send American troops to the Southern border.

January 23, 2019: Presidential Run Announcement

On January 23, 2019, Buttigieg officially announced his run for President of the United States.

February 12, 2019: Publication of "Shortest Way Home"

On February 12, 2019, amid the start of his presidential effort, Buttigieg published his debut book, the autobiography titled "Shortest Way Home".

April 2019: City Climate Plan Development Approved

In April 2019, the Common Council approved Buttigieg's request to enable his administration to develop a city climate plan. Buttigieg subsequently signed a contract with the Chicago firm Delta Institute to assist in developing the plan.

May 2019: Mueller Won Democratic Primary

In May 2019, James Mueller, endorsed by Buttigieg, won the Democratic primary with 37 percent of the vote in a crowded field for South Bend mayoral election.

June 2019: Comments on Saudi Arabia

In June 2019, Pete Buttigieg commented on working with Saudi Arabia while also emphasizing not selling out values for fossil fuel access.

July 2019: "Douglass Plan" Release

In July 2019, Pete Buttigieg shared his "Douglass Plan" to address systemic racism in America.

July 2019: Plan to Strengthen Union Bargaining Power Release

In July 2019, he released a plan to strengthen union bargaining power, to raise the minimum wage to $15, and to offer national paid family leave.

August 2019: $300 Billion Mental Health Plan Release

In August 2019, Pete Buttigieg released a $300 billion plan to expand mental health care services and fight addiction.

October 2019: Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service

In October 2019, at the Golden Heart Awards, run by God's Love We Deliver, Buttigieg was awarded the "Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service".

November 2019: Review of South Bend Police Department Policies Commissioned

In November 2019, Buttigieg secured $180,000 to commission a review of South Bend's police department policies and practices. This review was to be conducted by the Chicago-based consulting firm 21CP Solutions, following the shooting of Eric Logan.

November 2019: Mueller Won General Election

In November 2019, James Mueller, endorsed by Buttigieg, won the general election for South Bend mayor, defeating Republican nominee Sean M. Haas with 63 percent of the vote.

November 2019: Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan Approved

In late November 2019, South Bend's Common Council voted 7-0 to approve the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan. This plan set the goal of meeting the Paris Agreement's 26 percent emission reduction by 2025, and aimed for further reductions of 45 percent by 2035.

December 2019: Rise to Top-Tier Presidential Candidate

By December 2019, Buttigieg, initially regarded as a long-shot candidate, had risen into the top-tier of candidates in the Democratic presidential primary.

2019: Private Investment in South Bend

By 2019, South Bend had seen $374 million in private investment for mixed-use developments since Buttigieg took office. Another estimate noted roughly $200 million in private investment in Downtown South Bend during Buttigieg's tenure.

2019: Buttigieg Requests Release from EPA Agreement

In 2019, Buttigieg requested that South Bend be released from an agreement with the EPA. This agreement, brokered under his mayoral predecessor, committed South Bend to making hundreds of millions of dollars in further improvements to its sewer system by 2031.

2019: Call for Decriminalization of Mental Illness and Addiction

In 2019, Pete Buttigieg called for the United States to decriminalize mental illness and addiction.

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. This was made possible by a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge.

February 2020: Led Iowa Caucus and Finished Second in New Hampshire Primary

In early February 2020, Buttigieg led the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses and finished second in the New Hampshire primary, marking a historic first for an openly gay candidate winning a state presidential primary.

March 1, 2020: Buttigieg dropped out of presidential race

On March 1, 2020, Buttigieg dropped out of the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary.

April 2020: Win The Era PAC Launched

In April 2020, Buttigieg launched Win The Era PAC, a new super PAC to raise money and distribute it to down-ballot Democrats, focusing on local elected positions.

June 8, 2020: Hired by University of Notre Dame

On June 8, 2020, the University of Notre Dame announced that it had hired 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, Buttigieg was announced as a member of the advisory council of the Biden-Harris Transition Team, which was planning the presidential transition of Joe Biden.

October 2020: Release of "Trust: America's Best Chance"

In October 2020, Buttigieg released his second book, titled "Trust: America's Best Chance".

November 7, 2020: Biden Declared Winner of Election

Following the end of his presidential campaign, after Biden was declared the winner of the election on November 7, 2020, Buttigieg was mentioned as a possible nominee for various Cabinet positions.

December 15, 2020: Nomination as Secretary of Transportation

On December 15, 2020, Biden announced that he would nominate Buttigieg as his Secretary of Transportation, a significant milestone in Buttigieg's career.

December 2020: Nomination for Secretary of Transportation

In December 2020, President-elect Biden nominated Buttigieg as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation.

2020: $1 Trillion Infrastructure Plan Proposal

During his 2020 campaign, Pete Buttigieg proposed spending $1 trillion on U.S. infrastructure projects over ten years.

2020: Campaign Finance Reform Advocacy

During his 2020 presidential run, Pete Buttigieg's campaign emphasized critical campaign finance reforms, including overturning Citizens United and Buckley v. Valeo.

2020: Debt-Free College Plan

During the 2020 campaign, Pete Buttigieg's plan for debt-free college included expanding Pell Grants and reversing Trump's tax cuts.

2020: Buttigieg's run for President of the United States

In 2020, Buttigieg ran for President of the United States.

2020: Mueller Took Office

In 2020, on New Year's Day, James Mueller took office as the mayor of South Bend, succeeding Pete Buttigieg.

2020: South Bend Ranked Among Best Small Cities

In 2020, the website Best Cities ranked South Bend number 39 on its list of the 100 best small cities in the United States. This recognition cited Buttigieg's efforts to revitalize the Studebaker factory and Downtown South Bend.

2020: Speculation of Buttigieg Running for President

In 2020, there was speculation that Buttigieg would run for president.

February 2, 2021: Buttigieg confirmed 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.

February 2021: Addressed African American Mayors Association

In late February 2021, Buttigieg addressed the African American Mayors Association to discuss systemic racism, arguing that misguided investments in federal transport and infrastructure policy had contributed to racial inequity.

March 2021: Consideration of Tolls on Interstate 80

In March 2021, Pete Buttigieg indicated he was open to tolls on Interstate 80, but not on bridges, suggesting "big picture solutions" instead, like a mileage tax.

March 2021: Focus on Racial Equity in Interviews

In early March 2021, it was noted that Buttigieg had mentioned racial equity in almost every interview he gave to the press as it related to his work at the Department of Transportation.

March 2021: Prioritizing Gateway Rail Tunnel Project

In late March 2021, Pete Buttigieg informed Congress that the Biden administration planned to prioritize the construction of the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project.

May 19, 2021: Reinstatement of Obama-Era Pilot Program

On May 19, 2021, as Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg reinstated an Obama-era pilot program which ensures local hiring for public works projects, aiming to help minorities and disadvantaged individuals.

June 2021: Appointment to Supply Chain Task Force

In June 2021, Pete Buttigieg was appointed as one of the leaders of a White House task force created to address supply chain disruptions.

August 2021: Parental Leave

In August 2021, Pete Buttigieg began his parental leave after the birth of his twins, which later became a point of criticism from conservative figures.

October 2021: Supply Chain Bottleneck Prediction

By October 2021, with global supply bottlenecks resulting in record shortages, Pete Buttigieg predicted the disruptions would continue into the next year.

October 2021: Buttigieg Ramps Up Activities After Parental Leave

In early October 2021, Pete Buttigieg increased his public activities after being mostly offline since mid-August due to parental leave.

June 2022: Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Launched

In late June 2022, Buttigieg launched a $1 billion Reconnecting Communities pilot program to establish racial equity in roads. This program aims to reconnect cities and neighborhoods divided by roads.

2022: Criticism for Airline Oversight

In 2022, Pete Buttigieg faced criticism for his handling of issues in United States passenger aviation, specifically not penalizing negligent airlines enough.

2022: Southwest Airlines Consumer Protection Violations

In 2022, Southwest Airlines had mass violations of consumer protection laws.

March 2023: Opposition to Spirit-Frontier Merger

In March 2023, Pete Buttigieg opposed the proposed merger of Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines on the grounds that it was anticompetitive.

December 2023: Record Fine for Southwest Airlines

In December 2023, the Department of Transportation imposed a record fine of $140 million on Southwest Airlines for mass violations of consumer protection laws in 2022.

2023: Study on Buttigieg's Electability Published

In 2023, a study by political scientists from Loyola Marymount University reported how different aspects of Buttigieg's biography affected voters' views on his electability as a US President, highlighting the impact of his military background.

August 2024: Inducted into LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame

In August 2024, Buttigieg was inducted by the LGBTQ Victory Fund into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame.

October 30, 2024: Airline Refund Rule Announcement

On October 30, 2024, Pete Buttigieg announced that a rule had taken effect requiring airlines to automatically provide refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled and do not accept another flight, as well as if paid services are not provided.

January 2025: Consideration of U.S. Senate Run in Michigan

In January 2025, news reports emerged that Pete Buttigieg was considering a run for U.S. Senate in Michigan.

January 2025: Appointment as Fellow at University of Chicago

In late January 2025, Pete Buttigieg was announced as a fellow in the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics.

April 2025: End of University of Chicago Seminars

Through early April 2025, Buttigieg is delivering seminars once a week at Chicago's campus in Hyde Park

2025: South Shore Line Station Project Completion Goal

By 2025, Buttigieg aimed to have South Bend complete the project of moving the city's South Shore Line station from the airport to downtown. This was a significant infrastructure goal during his tenure.

2025: Paris Agreement Emission Reduction Goal

By 2025, the city of South Bend aims to meet the Paris Agreement's 26 percent emission reduction goal, as part of the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan approved in November 2019.

2035: Further Emission Reductions Goal

By 2035, the city of South Bend aims for further emission reductions of 45 percent, as part of the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan approved in November 2019.

2050: Carbon Neutral Goal by 2050

In 2050, the city of South Bend aims to be carbon neutral, as outlined in the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan approved by the Common Council in November 2019.