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, most notably serving as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021-2025). He's a member of the Democratic Party and gained prominence as the 32nd Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012-2020), earning the moniker 'Mayor Pete.' Buttigieg is a public figure known for his political career and prior military service.

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. He is an American politician and former naval officer.

Others born on this day/year

2004: Graduation from Harvard

In 2004, Buttigieg graduated magna cum laude from Harvard.

2007: Received Bachelor of Arts from Oxford

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

2013: Performance with South Bend Symphony Orchestra

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

February 2014: Deployment to Afghanistan and Absence From Mayoral role

In February 2014, Deputy Mayor Mark Neal served as executive while Buttigieg was deployed to Afghanistan.

September 23, 2014: Returns to United States

On September 23, 2014, Buttigieg returned to the United States after serving in Afghanistan.

October 2014: Buttigieg returns to his role as mayor

In October 2014, Buttigieg returned to his role as mayor of South Bend.

May 2015: Unveiling of "River Lights" Installation

In May 2015, the "River Lights" installation was unveiled as part of the city's 150th anniversary celebrations.

June 2015: Coming Out as Gay

In June 2015, Buttigieg came out as gay in a piece in the South Bend Tribune, becoming Indiana's first openly gay elected executive and the highest elected official in Indiana to come out.

August 2015: Meeting Chasten Glezman

In August 2015, Buttigieg met Chasten Glezman on the dating app Hinge.

2015: Opposes Indiana Senate Bill 101 and Comes Out as Gay

In 2015, amid controversy over Indiana Senate Bill 101, Buttigieg came out as gay and emerged as a leading opponent of the legislation.

2015: Comes Out as Gay

In 2015, while serving as South Bend's mayor, Buttigieg came out as gay.

December 14, 2017: Engagement Announcement

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

June 2018: Marriage to Chasten Glezman

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

June 16, 2018: Marriage to Chasten Glezman

On June 16, 2018, Buttigieg married Chasten Glezman in a private ceremony at the Cathedral of St. James, becoming the first mayor of South Bend to get married while in office.

February 12, 2019: Published autobiography

On February 12, 2019, Pete Buttigieg published his autobiography, "Shortest Way Home".

Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future

Check it on Amazon

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.

October 2020: Released second book

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

Trust: America's Best Chance

Check it on Amazon

August 17, 2021: Announcement of Becoming Parents

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

September 4, 2021: Adoption of Twins

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

October 2021: Return to public life after parental leave

In early October 2021, after being on paid leave since mid-August 2021, Buttigieg ramped up activities, making many media appearances following his parental leave after the birth of his twins.