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 U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Prior to that, he was the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, earning him the moniker "Mayor Pete." He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (6)

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

2000: Awarded first prize in essay contest

In 2000, Pete Buttigieg won first prize in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's Profiles in Courage essay contest for his essay on Bernie Sanders.

November 2011: Elected Mayor of South Bend

In November 2011, Pete Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend, defeating Republican nominee Norris W. Curry Jr. and Libertarian nominee Patrick M. Farrell.

2014: Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow

Buttigieg was selected as a 2014 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.

November 2015: Elected to Second Term as Mayor

In November 2015, Pete Buttigieg was elected to his second term as mayor of South Bend, defeating Republican Kelly Jones by a significant margin.

2015: Recipient of the Fenn Award

In 2015, Buttigieg received the Fenn Award from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library for his work as mayor.

2015: Came Out as Gay

In 2015, amid controversy over Indiana Senate Bill 101, Pete Buttigieg came out as gay and expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

2015: Secured Bond Issue for Smart Streets

In early 2015, after traffic studies and public hearings, Pete Buttigieg secured a bond issue for the Smart Streets program, which was backed by tax increment financing.

November 2016: Obama Profiled Buttigieg

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.

2017: Smart Streets Project Officially Completed

In 2017, the Smart Streets project in South Bend was officially completed, and it was credited with spurring private development in the city.

June 2019: Named one of Queerty's Pride50

In June 2019, Queerty named Buttigieg one of its "Pride50" people for actively ensuring society remains moving towards equality, acceptance, and dignity for all queer 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.

December 2019: Rose to Top-Tier Candidate

By December 2019, Pete Buttigieg rose into the top-tier of candidates in the Democratic primary, despite initially being regarded as a long-shot.

2019: Private Investment in South Bend

By 2019, South Bend had seen substantial private investment in mixed-use developments since Pete Buttigieg took office as mayor.

February 2020: Led Iowa Democratic Caucuses

In early February 2020, Pete Buttigieg led the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses results with 26.2 percent, winning 14 delegates.

August 2020: Equality Trailblazer Award

In August 2020, Equality California, an LGBT-rights organization, 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 Pete 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 was confirmed as the United States Secretary of Transportation, making him the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S. history.