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 U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Prior to this, he was the Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, earning him the moniker "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: Selection as Delegate to US Senate Youth Program

In 2000, Pete Buttigieg was selected as a delegate from Indiana to the United States Senate Youth Program.

2000: First Prize in Profiles in Courage Essay Contest

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

May 3, 2011: Won Primary Election for South Bend Mayor

On May 3, 2011, Pete Buttigieg won his primary election against four opponents 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 named an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.

June 2015: Coming Out as Gay

In June 2015, Buttigieg publicly came out as gay in an article in the South Bend Tribune, becoming the first openly gay elected executive in Indiana. He was the first elected official in Indiana to come out while in office and the highest elected official in Indiana to come out.

November 2015: Elected to second term as mayor

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

2015: Fenn Award Recipient

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 cited Buttigieg as Democratic talent

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

2017: Smart Streets project officially completed

The Smart Streets project was officially completed in 2017 and was credited with spurring private development in the city.

June 2019: Named to "Pride50" by Queerty

In June 2019, Queerty named Buttigieg one of its "Pride50" people in recognition of his work ensuring society moves 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 into the top-tier of candidates

By December 2019, Pete Buttigieg rose into the top-tier of candidates in the Democratic primary.

2019: Private investment in South Bend

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

February 2020: Led Iowa Democratic caucuses results

In early February 2020, Pete Buttigieg led the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses results.

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 on Best Cities list

The website Best Cities ranked South Bend number 39 on its 2020 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's nomination as Secretary of Transportation was confirmed, making him the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S. history.