Pete Buttigieg's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Pete Buttigieg. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

May 3, 2011: Primary Election Win

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

November 2011: Elected Mayor of South Bend

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

2014: Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow

In 2014, Buttigieg was an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.

November 2015: Elected to Second Term as Mayor

In November 2015, Pete Buttigieg was elected to his second term as mayor of South Bend, receiving over 80 percent of the vote and defeating Republican Kelly Jones.

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.

November 2016: Obama Cites Buttigieg as One of the Democratic Party's Talents

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

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

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

October 2019: Received Golden Heart Award

In October 2019, Buttigieg was awarded the "Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service" at the Golden Heart Awards.

2019: Significant Private Investment in South Bend

By 2019, South Bend had seen an estimated $374 million in private investment for mixed-use developments since Pete Buttigieg had taken office.

February 2020: Led Iowa Democratic caucuses

In early February 2020, Pete Buttigieg led the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses results with 26.2 percent to Bernie Sanders' 26.1 percent, winning 14 delegates to Sanders's 12. The LGBTQ Victory Fund, Buttigieg's first national endorsement, noted the historical first of an openly gay candidate winning a state presidential primary.

August 2020: Received Equality Trailblazer Award

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

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, citing Buttigieg's efforts to revitalize the Studebaker factory and Downtown South Bend.

February 2, 2021: Confirmation as Secretary of Transportation

On February 2, 2021, Pete Buttigieg's nomination as Secretary of Transportation was confirmed, making him the first Senate-confirmed openly LGBTQ+ Cabinet secretary in U.S. history.