History of Pete Buttigieg in Timeline
Pete Buttigieg, also known as "Mayor Pete", is an American politician who currently holds the position of the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012 to 2020. Prior to his political career, Buttigieg served as a naval officer.
January 19, 1982: Birth of Pete Buttigieg
On January 19, 1982, Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg was born. This marks the beginning of his life and journey to becoming a prominent figure in American politics.
2000: Pete Buttigieg Wins John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
In 2000, while a senior in high school, Pete Buttigieg won first prize in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's Profile in Courage essay contest. He wrote about the integrity and political courage of then-U.S. Representative Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
2001: Views on Afghanistan and the Middle East
Buttigieg expressed support for the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan while advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposing West Bank annexation.
2002: Pete Buttigieg Interns for Jill Long Thompson
In 2002, Pete Buttigieg worked as an intern for Democrat Jill Long Thompson during her unsuccessful congressional campaign.
2004: Pete Buttigieg Works on John Kerry's Presidential Campaign
Following his graduation from Harvard University, Pete Buttigieg worked on John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign as a policy and research specialist in Arizona and New Mexico.
2004: Pete Buttigieg Graduates from Harvard University
In 2004, Pete Buttigieg graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in history and literature.
2005: Pete Buttigieg Becomes Conference Director at the Cohen Group
From 2004 to 2005, Pete Buttigieg served as the conference director for the Cohen Group.
2005: Pete Buttigieg Joins Truman National Security Project
In 2005, Pete Buttigieg became involved with the Truman National Security Project, where he served as a fellow with expertise in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
2006: Pete Buttigieg Assists Joe Donnelly's Congressional Campaign
In 2006, Pete Buttigieg provided assistance to Joe Donnelly's successful campaign for Congress.
2007: Pete Buttigieg Starts Work at McKinsey & Company
After earning his degree from Oxford, Pete Buttigieg began working as a consultant at the Chicago office of McKinsey & Company in 2007.
2007: Pete Buttigieg Earns Degree from Oxford University
In 2007, Pete Buttigieg received a Bachelor of Arts degree with first-class honors in philosophy, politics, and economics from Pembroke College, Oxford University.
2008: Support for Somaliland's Independence
In 2008, Buttigieg publicly called for U.S. recognition of Somaliland's de facto independence.
2008: Pete Buttigieg Takes Leave from McKinsey for Jill Long Thompson's Campaign
In 2008, Pete Buttigieg took a leave of absence from McKinsey & Company to serve as the research director for Jill Long Thompson's gubernatorial campaign in Indiana, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
September 2009: Pete Buttigieg Commissioned as Ensign in Navy Reserve
In September 2009, Pete Buttigieg was sworn in as an ensign in naval intelligence within the U.S. Navy Reserve.
2009: Pete Buttigieg Joins Navy Reserve
In 2009, Pete Buttigieg joined the United States Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer through the direct commission officer program.
2010: Pete Buttigieg's Unsuccessful Run for Indiana State Treasurer
Prior to his mayoral victory, Pete Buttigieg ran for Indiana State Treasurer in 2010 but unfortunately lost the election. This experience, however, set the stage for his future political endeavors.
2010: Todd Young's Support for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
In 2010, Todd Young, who later became a U.S. Senator for Indiana, expressed support for retaining the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This policy, which prohibited openly gay individuals from serving in the armed forces, was a subject of significant debate at the time.
2010: Pete Buttigieg Runs for Indiana State Treasurer
In 2010, Pete Buttigieg was the Democratic nominee for the position of Indiana State Treasurer. He campaigned on a platform that criticized the Republican incumbent for his handling of state pension funds, but ultimately lost the election.
2010: Pete Buttigieg Runs for Indiana State Treasurer
In 2010, Pete Buttigieg ran for the position of Indiana State Treasurer but lost to the Republican incumbent, Richard Mourdock.
2010: Pete Buttigieg Leaves McKinsey to Focus on Campaign
In 2010, Pete Buttigieg left his position at McKinsey & Company to dedicate himself full-time to his campaign for Indiana state treasurer.
April 14, 2011: Death of Jiha'd Vasquez
On April 14, 2011, Jiha'd Vasquez, a 16-year-old Black teenager, was found deceased under controversial circumstances. This tragic incident, which occurred before Buttigieg's mayoral term, would later spark calls for further investigation and raise concerns about the handling of the case.
May 3, 2011: Pete Buttigieg Wins Democratic Primary for Mayor of South Bend
On May 3, 2011, Pete Buttigieg secured victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of South Bend, defeating four opponents and securing his place on the ballot for the general election.
November 2011: Pete Buttigieg Elected Mayor of South Bend
In November 2011, at the age of 29, Pete Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend, Indiana, defeating Republican nominee Norris W. Curry Jr. and Libertarian nominee Patrick M. Farrell. This victory marked the beginning of his tenure as one of the youngest mayors of a major U.S. city.
2011: Pete Buttigieg Elected Mayor of South Bend
In 2011, Pete Buttigieg was elected as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He was only 29 years old at the time, making him the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents.
2011: EPA Fine for Clean Water Act Violations
The EPA fined the City of South Bend in 2011 for violations of the Clean Water Act, prompting the need for significant improvements to the city's sewer system.
January 2012: Pete Buttigieg Takes Office as Mayor of South Bend
Pete Buttigieg officially assumed his role as mayor of South Bend in January 2012, embarking on his journey to revitalize the city and address key issues like job creation and education.
2012: Pete Buttigieg Becomes Mayor of South Bend
In 2012, Pete Buttigieg was sworn in as the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana. This marked the beginning of his tenure as mayor, a role he held for two terms.
2012: Buttigieg Demotes Police Chief Amidst Illegal Recording Scandal
In 2012, Mayor Pete Buttigieg made the difficult decision to demote South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins following a federal investigation that revealed the illegal recording of phone calls within the police department. This decision sparked controversy and led to legal challenges, testing Buttigieg's leadership and highlighting the complexities of police oversight.
2012: Buttigieg Requests Boykins's Resignation, Sparking Controversy
Shortly after assuming office in 2012, Mayor Buttigieg requested the resignation of Police Chief Darryl Boykins, a move that was met with resistance and accusations of racial discrimination. This decision ignited a contentious legal battle and brought issues of race and police relations to the forefront in South Bend.
2013: Musical Performance with South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Buttigieg, a skilled musician, performed as a guest pianist with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra alongside Ben Folds in 2013.
2013: Buttigieg Proposes 'Smart Streets' Urban Development Program
In 2013, seeking to revitalize South Bend's downtown area and enhance its overall appeal, Mayor Buttigieg put forth a proposal for the "Smart Streets" urban development program. This ambitious project aimed to transform the city's infrastructure and create a more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant urban environment.
2013: South Bend Launches 3-1-1 System
In 2013, under Mayor Buttigieg's leadership, South Bend implemented a 3-1-1 system, providing residents with a streamlined method for reporting non-emergency issues and accessing city services. This initiative aimed to enhance communication between citizens and the local government, improving efficiency and responsiveness.
February 2014: Buttigieg Begins Military Deployment to Afghanistan
In February 2014, Pete Buttigieg took a leave of absence from his position as mayor of South Bend to serve a seven-month deployment in Afghanistan as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
September 23, 2014: Buttigieg Returns to South Bend After Military Deployment
On September 23, 2014, Pete Buttigieg returned to the United States after serving seven months in Afghanistan as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
October 2014: Buttigieg Resumes Mayoral Duties After Military Deployment
Pete Buttigieg resumed his role as mayor of South Bend in October 2014, following his return from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
2014: Buttigieg Announces Re-Election Campaign for Mayor of South Bend
In 2014, Pete Buttigieg announced his intention to seek a second term as mayor of South Bend, signaling his commitment to building upon the progress made during his first term and further solidifying his political aspirations.
2014: Pete Buttigieg Deployed to Afghanistan
In 2014, Pete Buttigieg was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months as a part of the United States Navy Reserve, where he served in a unit tasked with identifying and disrupting terrorist finance networks.
2014: Pete Buttigieg Joins Truman National Security Project Board of Advisors
In 2014, Pete Buttigieg was appointed to the board of advisors for the Truman National Security Project.
2014: Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowship
Buttigieg was selected as an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow in 2014, a program recognizing leadership potential.
May 2015: 'River Lights' Installation Unveiled in South Bend
As part of South Bend's 150th anniversary celebrations, Mayor Buttigieg spearheaded the unveiling of the "River Lights" installation in May 2015. This captivating laser-light display along the St. Joseph River trail quickly became a beloved public art attraction, enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal and showcasing Buttigieg's commitment to urban revitalization.
June 2015: Buttigieg Comes Out as Gay
In a courageous move, Pete Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in June 2015 through an article in the South Bend Tribune. This made him Indiana's first openly gay elected executive, marking a significant milestone in the state's political landscape.
August 2015: Buttigieg Starts Dating Chasten Glezman
Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Glezman's love story began in August 2015 when they connected through the dating app Hinge.
November 2015: '1,000 Properties in 1,000 Days' Program Achieves its Goal
By November 2015, Mayor Buttigieg's ambitious "Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative," known as "1,000 Properties in 1,000 Days," successfully reached its target of addressing blighted properties across South Bend. This accomplishment demonstrated Buttigieg's dedication to urban renewal and his efforts to improve the city's infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
November 2015: Buttigieg Wins Re-Election as Mayor of South Bend
In November 2015, Pete Buttigieg secured a resounding victory in his bid for re-election as mayor of South Bend, winning with over 80% of the vote. This victory solidified his mandate to continue implementing his vision for the city's revitalization and demonstrated the strong support he had garnered from the community.
2015: Buttigieg Secures Funding for 'Smart Streets' Program
After extensive traffic studies and public hearings, Mayor Buttigieg successfully secured the necessary bond issue backed by tax increment financing for the "Smart Streets" program in early 2015. This funding milestone marked a significant step towards realizing the transformative vision of the project and demonstrated Buttigieg's effectiveness in navigating complex municipal finances.
2015: Buttigieg Awarded the Fenn Award
In 2015, Pete Buttigieg received the prestigious Fenn Award from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, recognizing his impactful work as mayor.
2015: Federal Judge Rules Boykins's Recordings Violated Wiretap Law
In 2015, a federal judge ruled that the recordings made by former Police Chief Darryl Boykins were in violation of the Federal Wiretap Act, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy surrounding the case. This legal development further fueled the debate over the recordings and their implications.
2015: Buttigieg Comes Out as Gay, Opposes Indiana's 'Religious Freedom' Bill
In 2015, amidst controversy surrounding Indiana Senate Bill 101, which was widely criticized for potentially enabling discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, Pete Buttigieg publicly came out as gay. This courageous act of self-acceptance and advocacy solidified his position as a vocal opponent of the legislation and a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights.
2015: Pete Buttigieg Comes Out as Gay
In 2015, while serving as the mayor of South Bend, Pete Buttigieg publicly came out as gay.
2015: Revocation of Rail Safety Rule
The Trump administration revoked a 2015 rail safety rule aimed at improving braking systems, a decision that later faced scrutiny after the East Palestine derailment.
November 2016: Barack Obama Recognizes Buttigieg's Political Talent
In a November 2016 profile by The New Yorker, former President Barack Obama recognized Buttigieg as one of the rising stars within the Democratic Party, further raising his national profile.
2016: Initial Elements of 'Smart Streets' Project Completed
The year 2016 saw the completion of several key elements of the "Smart Streets" program, marking tangible progress in the ongoing transformation of South Bend's downtown area. This achievement showcased the project's momentum and its potential to revitalize the city's urban core.
2016: Studebaker Complex Redevelopment Begins
In 2016, the City of South Bend, in partnership with the State of Indiana and private developers, broke ground on a $165 million renovation of the former Studebaker complex. The project aimed to revitalize the area by creating industrial and housing units.
2016: Buttigieg Signs Executive Order for City Identification Card Program
Following his re-election, Mayor Buttigieg signed an executive order in 2016 paving the way for the establishment of a recognized city identification card program in South Bend. This initiative aimed to provide all residents, regardless of immigration status, with access to essential services and a sense of belonging in the community.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton and Other Democrats
During the 2016 election cycle, Buttigieg actively campaigned for Democratic candidates. He endorsed Hillary Clinton in the presidential primaries and supported Evan Bayh for the U.S. Senate, criticizing his opponent's stance on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Buttigieg also endorsed Lynn Coleman in the race for Indiana's 2nd congressional district.
January 2017: Buttigieg Announces Candidacy for DNC Chair
In January 2017, Buttigieg announced his candidacy for the position of chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), a move that signaled his growing national ambitions and desire to shape the direction of the Democratic Party.
December 14, 2017: Buttigieg Announces Engagement to Chasten Glezman
On December 14, 2017, Pete Buttigieg shared the news of his engagement to Chasten Glezman, a junior high school teacher, via a heartwarming Facebook post.
2017: Buttigieg Runs for DNC Chair
Buttigieg's national profile grew significantly during his bid for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairmanship in 2017. Although ultimately unsuccessful, his campaign, which emphasized empowering millennial voices within the party, garnered attention and solidified his status as a rising figure in Democratic politics.
2017: Trump Administration Revokes Local Hiring Program
During the Trump administration in 2017, the Department of Transportation rolled back an Obama-era pilot program that promoted local hiring for public works projects, reverting to regulations established during the Reagan administration, which prohibited geographic-based hiring preferences.
2017: Pete Buttigieg Leaves Navy Reserve
In 2017, after serving for eight years, Pete Buttigieg left the United States Navy Reserve.
2017: Renovation of Studebaker Building 84 Announced
In 2017, plans were announced to renovate the exterior of the long-abandoned Studebaker Building 84 (Ivy Tower) as part of the Studebaker complex redevelopment. The building and surrounding structures were planned to become a technology hub.
2017: Pete Buttigieg Leaves Navy Reserve
Pete Buttigieg left the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2017 after serving for eight years.
2017: Completion of Smart Sewer Program's First Phase
The first phase of South Bend's smart sewer program, initiated under Buttigieg's leadership, was completed in 2017 at a cost of $150 million. This program aimed to address Clean Water Act violations.
2017: 'Smart Streets' Project Officially Completed
The transformative "Smart Streets" urban development program, a cornerstone of Mayor Buttigieg's efforts to revitalize South Bend, reached its official completion in 2017. This achievement brought to fruition a vision of a more pedestrian-friendly, economically vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing downtown area, leaving a lasting legacy on the city's landscape.
June 2018: Pete Buttigieg Marries Chasten Glezman
In June 2018, Pete Buttigieg married his partner, Chasten Glezman, a schoolteacher and writer.
June 16, 2018: Buttigieg Marries Chasten Glezman
Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Glezman exchanged vows in a private ceremony at the Cathedral of St. James on June 16, 2018. This event marked another milestone as Buttigieg became the first mayor of South Bend to marry while in office.
August 2018: Proposal for South Shore Line Station Relocation
In August 2018, Buttigieg put forward the idea of relocating South Bend's South Shore Line station from the airport to the downtown area.
December 2018: Buttigieg Announces He Won't Seek Third Term as Mayor
Buttigieg announced in December 2018 that he would not run for a third term as mayor of South Bend, a decision that fueled speculation about his potential candidacy for higher office.
2018: Healthcare Reform Proposals
Starting in 2018, Buttigieg supported Medicare for All and later campaigned on "Medicare for All Who Want It," proposing a public option and other healthcare reforms.
2018: Buttigieg Founds Hitting Home PAC and Endorses Candidates
In preparation for the 2018 midterm elections, Buttigieg established the Hitting Home political action committee (PAC) and actively campaigned for various Democratic candidates across the country, including those in key early presidential primary states like Iowa and South Carolina. This move signaled his growing national ambitions and foreshadowed his eventual presidential bid.
2018: Speculation Grows About Buttigieg's Political Future
By early 2018, as Buttigieg's national profile continued to rise, speculation grew about his potential candidacy for higher office, including the governorship of Indiana or even the presidency.
January 23, 2019: Buttigieg Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee
On January 23, 2019, Buttigieg officially announced the formation of an exploratory committee for a presidential run in the 2020 election. This announcement marked his formal entry into the race for the Democratic nomination, positioning him as a potential first openly gay president.
February 12, 2019: Publication of Buttigieg's Autobiography
On February 12, 2019, Buttigieg released his autobiography, "Shortest Way Home," providing insights into his life, career, and vision for the future. This book launch coincided with his burgeoning presidential campaign and aimed to further introduce him to a national audience.
April 14, 2019: Pete Buttigieg Announces Presidential Candidacy
On April 14, 2019, Pete Buttigieg officially launched his campaign for the 2020 United States presidential election.
April 2019: Approval for City Climate Plan Development
In April 2019, the Common Council granted approval for Buttigieg's administration to develop a comprehensive climate plan for the city.
May 2019: James Mueller Wins Democratic Primary for South Bend Mayor
James Mueller, Buttigieg's chosen successor, secured victory in the Democratic primary for South Bend mayor in May 2019, paving the way for him to continue the policies and initiatives of the Buttigieg administration.
June 2019: Criticism of Saudi Arabia Policy
Buttigieg criticized U.S. policy towards Saudi Arabia in June 2019, advocating for a more values-driven approach and ending support for the war in Yemen.
June 2019: Buttigieg Named One of Queerty's "Pride50"
In June 2019, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Pete Buttigieg was honored as one of Queerty's "Pride50." This recognition celebrated his role as a trailblazer actively promoting equality and dignity for all queer individuals.
June 2019: Shooting of Eric Logan and Community Response
The fatal shooting of Eric Logan, an African American man, by a white South Bend police officer in June 2019 sparked public outcry and drew Buttigieg back from his presidential campaign to address the crisis. The incident, during which police body cameras were not activated, highlighted racial tensions and led to community demands for accountability and justice.
July 2019: Strengthening Unions and Labor Rights
In July 2019, Buttigieg proposed policies to strengthen union bargaining power, raise the minimum wage, and establish national paid family leave.
July 2019: Douglass Plan to Address Systemic Racism
Buttigieg unveiled the "Douglass Plan" in July 2019, outlining initiatives to address systemic racism, including investments in Black entrepreneurship, education, and criminal justice reform.
August 2019: Mental Health Care and Addiction Plan
In August 2019, Buttigieg released a plan to invest $300 billion in expanding mental health care services and addressing addiction.
October 2019: Buttigieg Receives "Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service"
Pete Buttigieg's outstanding contributions to public service were recognized with the "Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service" at the Golden Heart Awards organized by God's Love We Deliver in October 2019.
November 2019: Commissioning of Police Department Review
In response to the Eric Logan shooting and ensuing public pressure, Buttigieg secured $180,000 in November 2019 to commission an independent review of the South Bend Police Department's policies and practices. This review, conducted by Chicago-based consulting firm 21CP Solutions, aimed to identify areas for improvement and address concerns about police conduct and accountability.
November 2019: Mueller Elected Mayor of South Bend
James Mueller, who had served as Buttigieg's chief of staff and close confidant, was elected mayor of South Bend in November 2019, ensuring a continuation of Buttigieg's vision for the city.
November 2019: Adoption of Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan
South Bend's Common Council unanimously approved the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan in November 2019. This plan set ambitious goals for emission reduction, aligning with the Paris Agreement's targets.
December 2019: Buttigieg Rises as Top-Tier Presidential Candidate
Initially considered a long-shot candidate, Pete Buttigieg gained significant momentum in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, rising to become a top-tier contender by December 2019.
2019: Reduction in Combined Sewer Overflow and Request to Revise EPA Agreement
By 2019, South Bend's smart sewer program had successfully reduced the combined sewer overflow by 75%. Buttigieg requested a revision to a 2011 agreement with the EPA, seeking relief from further costly improvements to the sewer system.
2019: Significant Private Investment in South Bend
By 2019, South Bend had attracted an estimated $374 million in private investment for mixed-use developments since Buttigieg took office, signaling renewed confidence in the city's future.
2019: Decriminalization of Mental Illness and Addiction
In 2019, Buttigieg advocated for decriminalizing mental illness and addiction, aiming to significantly reduce incarceration rates related to these issues.
2019: Renewed Calls for Investigation into the Death of Jiha'd Vasquez
Years later in 2019, during Buttigieg's presidential campaign, the case of Jiha'd Vasquez resurfaced, with demands for a thorough investigation into his death and scrutiny of the initial handling of the case. This controversy cast a shadow over Buttigieg's past and raised questions about his response to the incident.
2019: Launch of Commuters Trust Transportation Program
South Bend launched the Commuters Trust program in 2019. This innovative transportation benefit program, created in partnership with local employers and providers like South Bend Transpo and Lyft, aimed to improve commuting options.
February 2020: Buttigieg Makes History with Iowa Caucus Win
In a historic moment, Pete Buttigieg emerged as the victor in the February 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win a state presidential primary. He narrowly led Bernie Sanders in delegates, marking a significant milestone in his campaign.
March 1, 2020: Pete Buttigieg Ends Presidential Campaign
On March 1, 2020, Pete Buttigieg announced the suspension of his campaign for the 2020 United States presidential election.
April 2020: Buttigieg Launches Win The Era PAC
In April 2020, Pete Buttigieg established Win The Era PAC, a super political action committee aimed at supporting down-ballot Democratic candidates in local elections across the country.
June 8, 2020: Buttigieg Joins University of Notre Dame
On June 8, 2020, the University of Notre Dame appointed Pete Buttigieg as a teacher and researcher for the 2020–21 academic year, marking his return to academia after his presidential campaign.
August 2020: Buttigieg and Chasten Receive Equality Trailblazer Award
In August 2020, Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, were jointly honored with the Equality Trailblazer Award by Equality California, a prominent LGBT-rights organization.
September 5, 2020: Buttigieg Joins Biden-Harris Transition Team
On September 5, 2020, Pete Buttigieg was appointed as a member of the advisory council for the Biden-Harris Transition Team, tasked with ensuring a smooth transition of power following Joe Biden's presidential victory.
October 2020: Buttigieg Publishes "Trust: America's Best Chance"
Pete Buttigieg released his second book, "Trust: America's Best Chance," in October 2020, exploring themes of trust and its significance in American society and politics.
November 7, 2020: Buttigieg Considered for Cabinet Position
Following Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, Pete Buttigieg emerged as a potential candidate for a Cabinet position in the Biden administration, with speculation surrounding roles such as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador to China, or Secretary of Transportation.
December 15, 2020: Biden Nominates Buttigieg as Transportation Secretary
President-elect Joe Biden officially announced his decision to nominate Pete Buttigieg as the Secretary of Transportation on December 15, 2020.
December 2020: Pete Buttigieg Nominated as Transportation Secretary
In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden nominated Pete Buttigieg for the position of United States Secretary of Transportation.
2020: Buttigieg's Infrastructure Plan
During his 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg put forward a $1 trillion infrastructure plan focused on green energy, improved transportation, and community resilience.
2020: Campaign Finance Reform Advocacy
During his 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg advocated for campaign finance reform, rejecting certain donations and supporting measures to overturn Citizens United.
2020: Buttigieg Runs for President
Buttigieg launched a historic bid for the presidency in the 2020 election, seeking to become the youngest and first openly gay president of the United States. His campaign, which emphasized themes of generational change, unity, and progressive values, garnered significant attention and support, propelling him into the national spotlight.
2020: Debt-Free College Plan
Buttigieg's 2020 campaign included a debt-free college plan targeting support for low- and middle-income students while opposing universal free tuition.
2020: Buttigieg Considered Potential Candidate for Governor or President
There was considerable speculation throughout 2018 that Buttigieg might run for either Governor of Indiana or President of the United States in the 2020 elections.
2020: South Bend Ranked Among Best Small Cities
South Bend was ranked 39th on Best Cities' list of the 100 best small cities in the United States in 2020. Buttigieg's efforts to revitalize the Studebaker factory and Downtown South Bend were cited as contributing factors.
2020: Mueller Takes Office as South Bend Mayor
James Mueller assumed office as mayor of South Bend on New Year's Day 2020, marking a transition in leadership for the city.
2020: Pete Buttigieg Concludes Mayoral Term
In 2020, Pete Buttigieg concluded his second term as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, choosing not to seek reelection.
February 2, 2021: Pete Buttigieg Confirmed as Transportation Secretary
On February 2, 2021, the Senate confirmed Pete Buttigieg as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 86-13.
February 2021: Buttigieg Addresses Systemic Racism in Transportation
Pete Buttigieg, in his capacity as Transportation Secretary, addressed the African American Mayors Association in late February 2021, highlighting the issue of systemic racism within transportation and infrastructure policy.
March 2021: Buttigieg Addresses Road Safety and Infrastructure
During his tenure as Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg raised concerns about road safety in the United States, advocating for improved road design and a greater emphasis on human behavior in infrastructure policy.
March 2021: Buttigieg Prioritizes Gateway Rail Tunnel Project
In late March 2021, Pete Buttigieg announced the Biden administration's commitment to prioritizing the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project, a crucial infrastructure project that had been stalled under the Trump administration.
March 2021: Buttigieg Advocates for Racial Equity in Transportation
Throughout early March 2021, Pete Buttigieg consistently emphasized the importance of racial equity in his work as Transportation Secretary, advocating for policies that address historical disparities in transportation and infrastructure.
May 2021: Court Orders Release of Police Tapes Related to Boykins Case
In May 2021, a judge ordered the release of cassette tapes related to the 2012 police recording scandal involving former South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins. This decision came years after the initial controversy and shed further light on the events that transpired during Buttigieg's tenure as mayor.
May 19, 2021: Buttigieg Reinstates Obama-Era Hiring Program
In a move to promote local hiring and support disadvantaged communities, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reinstated an Obama-era pilot program on May 19, 2021, which encourages local hiring for public works projects.
June 2021: Buttigieg Leads Task Force on Supply Chain Disruptions
As part of the Biden administration's response to supply chain challenges, Pete Buttigieg was appointed to lead a task force in June 2021 to address supply chain disruptions and mitigate their impact on the economy.
August 2021: Buttigieg Takes Parental Leave
Following the birth of his twins, Pete Buttigieg took parental leave in mid-August 2021, a decision that drew criticism from some conservative figures.
August 17, 2021: Buttigieg Announces Parenthood
Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Buttigieg joyfully announced the expansion of their family on August 17, 2021, sharing the news of becoming parents.
September 4, 2021: Buttigieg Adopts Twins
On September 4, 2021, Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, shared the heartwarming news of adopting two newborn fraternal twins, expanding their family.
October 2021: Buttigieg Addresses Global Supply Chain Issues
In October 2021, amidst ongoing global supply chain disruptions, Pete Buttigieg addressed the issue, attributing the bottlenecks to factors such as increased demand and the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2021: Buttigieg Returns from Parental Leave
Pete Buttigieg returned to his duties as Transportation Secretary in early October 2021 after taking parental leave following the birth of his twins.
June 2022: Buttigieg Launches Reconnecting Communities Program
In June 2022, Pete Buttigieg introduced the $1 billion Reconnecting Communities pilot program, aimed at promoting racial equity in transportation infrastructure by reconnecting communities that have been historically divided by roadways.
July 2022: Buttigieg Establishes Residency in Traverse City, Michigan
In July 2022, Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Buttigieg made Traverse City, Michigan their permanent home. This marked a return to Chasten's hometown, and they both registered to vote in Michigan.
2022: Southwest Airlines Flight Disruptions
Southwest Airlines faced major operational challenges in 2022, leading to widespread flight cancellations and passenger disruptions, ultimately resulting in a significant fine from the Department of Transportation.
February 3, 2023: Train Derailment in East Palestine
On February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, leading to a controlled burn of the spill and the evacuation of nearby residents.
February 23, 2023: NTSB Preliminary Report on East Palestine Derailment
The NTSB released a preliminary report on February 23, 2023, stating that overheated wheel bearings caused the train derailment in East Palestine.
March 2023: Buttigieg Acknowledges Shortcomings in East Palestine Response
In March 2023, Buttigieg admitted to mistakes in his handling of the East Palestine derailment, including a delayed visit to the site.
May 8, 2023: Expansion of Flight Rights Website
President Biden and Buttigieg announced the expansion of flightsright.gov on May 8, 2023, to better inform airline passengers of their rights during cancellations or delays.
December 2023: Record Fine for Southwest Airlines
In December 2023, the Department of Transportation, under Buttigieg's leadership, issued a record $140 million fine to Southwest Airlines for consumer protection violations related to mass flight cancellations in 2022.
2023: Buttigieg Faces Criticism over Aviation Issues
By early 2023, Pete Buttigieg faced criticism regarding his handling of several high-profile issues within the aviation industry during his time as Transportation Secretary.
2025: Target Year for Station Relocation
Buttigieg set a goal to complete the relocation of the South Shore Line station by 2025.
2025: Interim Target for Emission Reduction
The Carbon Neutral 2050 plan set an interim target of achieving a 26% reduction in emissions by 2025, aligning with the Paris Agreement's timeline.
2035: Target for Further Emission Reduction
Beyond the 2025 target, the plan outlined a goal of achieving a more substantial reduction of 45% in emissions by 2035, demonstrating a commitment to aggressive action on climate change.
2050: Target Year for Carbon Neutrality
South Bend's Carbon Neutral 2050 plan aimed to achieve complete carbon neutrality by the year 2050, demonstrating a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.