Early Life and Education of Pete Buttigieg: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Pete Buttigieg, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Pete Buttigieg is an American politician and former naval officer. He served as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Previously, he was the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, earning him the nickname "Mayor Pete". A member of the Democratic Party, Buttigieg is a prominent figure in American politics.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

January 19, 1982: Birth of Pete Buttigieg

On January 19, 1982, Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg was born.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Delegate to United States Senate Youth Program

In 2000, Pete Buttigieg was chosen as a delegate from Indiana to the United States Senate Youth Program.

2000: Valedictorian and Essay Contest Winner

In 2000, Pete Buttigieg was valedictorian of his high school class and won first prize in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's Profiles in Courage essay contest.

2004: Graduation from Harvard

In 2004, Pete Buttigieg graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

2007: Receives Degree from Oxford

In 2007, Pete Buttigieg received a Bachelor of Arts degree with first-class honors in philosophy, politics, and economics from Pembroke College, Oxford.

2013: Performed with South Bend Symphony Orchestra

In 2013, Buttigieg performed with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra as a guest piano soloist with Ben Folds.

2014: Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow

In 2014, Buttigieg was an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.

June 2015: Came 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.

August 2015: Began dating Chasten Glezman

In August 2015, Buttigieg began dating Chasten Glezman after meeting on the dating app Hinge.

2015: Opposition to Indiana Senate Bill 101 and Comes Out as Gay

In 2015, Pete Buttigieg emerged as a leading opponent of Indiana Senate Bill 101 and came out as gay.

December 14, 2017: Announced engagement to Chasten Glezman

On December 14, 2017, Buttigieg announced his engagement to Chasten Glezman via a Facebook post.

June 2018: Marriage to Chasten Glezman

In June 2018, Pete Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman, a schoolteacher and writer.

June 16, 2018: Married Chasten Glezman

On June 16, 2018, Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman in a private ceremony at the Cathedral of St. James.

June 8, 2020: Hired by University of 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.

August 2021: Buttigieg Takes Parental Leave

In mid-August 2021, after the birth of his twins, Secretary Buttigieg began a period of paid parental leave, approved by the White House. During the leave, he was mostly offline, attending to major agency decisions. This leave became a point of criticism from conservative figures.

August 17, 2021: Announced becoming parents

On August 17, 2021, Buttigieg announced that he and his husband had become parents.

September 4, 2021: Adopted twins

On September 4, 2021, Buttigieg elaborated that he and his husband had adopted two newborn fraternal twins.

October 2021: Resumption of activities after parental leave

In early October 2021, after taking parental leave since mid-August, Buttigieg resumed his activities as Secretary of Transportation, making several media appearances after "ramping up activities".

July 2022: Established residency in Traverse City, Michigan

In July 2022, Buttigieg established his permanent residence in Traverse City, Michigan, which is Chasten's hometown, and registered to vote in Michigan.

April 2025: Fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics

From February to April 2025, Pete Buttigieg served as a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, delivering a seminar on campus every week.