Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg has transitioned from decorated naval officer and mayor to a prominent political figure, serving as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a presidential candidate. After being elected the 32nd Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in 2011, Pete Buttigieg embarked on a distinguished career in public service. As one of the youngest mayors of a U.S.

Navy Reserve in 2007 as an intelligence officer, attaining the rank of Lieutenant by 2009. His dedication included a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2014, requiring a leave of absence from his mayoral duties. During his two terms as Mayor of South Bend, he spearheaded urban revitalization initiatives, including the ‘Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative’ and the ‘Smart Streets’ program. In 2015, Buttigieg made history as Indiana’s first openly gay elected executive, demonstrating leadership and breaking barriers within the political landscape.

Buttigieg’s national profile significantly expanded with his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 United States presidential election. As a candidate, he quickly gained considerable momentum, achieving a historic win in the Iowa caucuses and placing second in the New Hampshire primary. This marked a significant milestone as he became the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus, cementing his position as a prominent national political voice. Following his impactful presidential campaign, Buttigieg was appointed by President Joe Biden as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation in 2021, becoming the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S.

history. In this high-profile role, he has prioritized large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing transportation systems across the nation. His tenure has also focused on advocating for racial equity in infrastructure development, driving forward key national initiatives to ensure equitable access and opportunities.