Pete Buttigieg: From Mayor to Secretary of Transportation

Early Life and Career

Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (pronounced BOO-tij-əj), born on January 19, 1982, is an American politician and former naval officer. Before entering politics, Buttigieg served as a Navy intelligence officer in Afghanistan.

Political Career

Buttigieg's political career began as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020. During his tenure, he implemented innovative policies and gained national recognition for his leadership. He ran as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win a major party's presidential primary.

Secretary of Transportation

On February 3, 2021, Pete Buttigieg was sworn in as the 19th Secretary of Transportation. As Secretary, he has focused on delivering world-leading transportation infrastructure, reducing emissions, and improving safety. He has also played a key role in the Biden administration's efforts to address climate change and promote equity.

Senate Confirmation

Buttigieg's appointment as Secretary of Transportation was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. He received bipartisan support, with 86 senators voting in favor of his confirmation.

Historical Significance

With this confirmation, Buttigieg becomes the first openly gay man to be confirmed to a Cabinet position in the United States government. His appointment marks a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity.