Lasting Legacy of Pete Buttigieg: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Pete Buttigieg continue to shape the world today.

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

November 2016: Obama cited Buttigieg as Democratic talent

In November 2016, Barack Obama cited Pete Buttigieg as one of the Democratic Party's talents in a profile on the outgoing president conducted by The New Yorker.

June 2019: Named One of Queerty's "Pride50"

In June 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Queerty named Buttigieg one of its "Pride50" people.

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

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

August 2020: Equality Trailblazer Award

In August 2020, Equality California gave Buttigieg and his husband Chasten their Equality Trailblazer Award.

2020: South Bend ranked on Best Cities list

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

March 2023: Buttigieg acknowledges error in East Palestine derailment response

In March 2023, Buttigieg acknowledged failing to anticipate the fallout from the train derailment in East Palestine and erred in not visiting the site sooner.

2023: Study on Buttigieg's electability

A 2023 study by political scientists from Loyola Marymount University analyzed how different aspects of Buttigieg's biography affected voters' views on his electability as a US president.