Pete Buttigieg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pete Buttigieg
Official portrait, 2022
19th United States Secretary of Transportation
In office February 3, 2021 – January 20, 2025
President	Joe Biden
Deputy	Polly Trottenberg
Preceded by	Elaine Chao
Succeeded by	Sean Duffy
32nd Mayor of South Bend, Indiana
In office January 1, 2012 – January 1, 2020
Preceded by	Steve Luecke
Succeeded by	James Mueller
Personal details
Born	Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (1982-01-19) January 19, 1982 (age 43) South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Chasten Glezman ​ (m. 2018)​
Children	2
Relatives	Joseph Buttigieg (father)
Education	Harvard University (BA) Pembroke College, Oxford (BA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy U.S. Navy Reserve
Service years	2009–2017
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	Naval Intelligence
Battles/wars	War in Afghanistan
Awards	Joint Service Commendation Medal

Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (born January 19, 1982) is an American politician and former naval officer. He served as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Before that, he was the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020. People often called him "Mayor Pete".

Buttigieg went to Harvard College and the University of Oxford. He studied at Oxford with a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholarship. From 2009 to 2017, he was an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He reached the rank of lieutenant. In 2014, he was sent to serve in the War in Afghanistan for seven months.

Before becoming mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg worked on political campaigns for other Democrats. He also ran for Indiana State Treasurer in 2010 but did not win. He married Chasten Glezman in June 2018. Buttigieg decided not to run for a third term as mayor.

In 2019, Buttigieg ran for president in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries. He became the first openly gay man to run for president as a Democrat. He won the Iowa caucuses and came in second in the New Hampshire primary. This made him the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary or caucus. He later stopped his campaign and supported Joe Biden.

In December 2020, President-elect Biden chose Buttigieg to be his Secretary of Transportation. The Senate approved his nomination in February 2021. This made him the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S. history. At 38, he was also the youngest Cabinet member in the Biden administration.

Early Life and Education

Pete Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. His parents are Jennifer "Anne" Montgomery and Joseph Anthony Buttigieg II. He is their only child. His father was born in Hamrun, Malta, and moved to the United States to become a professor at the University of Notre Dame. His mother also taught at the University of Notre Dame for many years.

School Years

Buttigieg was the top student in his class at St. Joseph High School in South Bend in 2000. That year, he won first prize in an essay contest from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He met members of the Kennedy family when he accepted the award. His essay was about the courage of then-U.S. representative Bernie Sanders.

In 2000, Buttigieg was also chosen as a delegate from Indiana for the United States Senate Youth Program. This is a scholarship competition for students. In his last year of high school, he was voted senior class president and chosen "Most Likely to be U.S. President."

College and Beyond

After high school, Buttigieg went to Harvard College. He studied history and literature. He was also president of a student committee at the Harvard Institute of Politics. He graduated from Harvard in 2004 with high honors.

Buttigieg then received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in England. In 2007, he earned a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Pembroke College, Oxford.

Professional and Military Career

Before finishing college, Buttigieg worked as an intern at a TV station in Chicago. He also helped with political campaigns for Democrats like Jill Long Thompson and John Kerry.

After getting his degree from Oxford, Buttigieg worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in Chicago for three years. He helped businesses and government agencies with their plans. He took a break from this job in 2008 to work on a campaign for Indiana governor. He left McKinsey in 2010 to focus on his own political campaign.

Military Service

Buttigieg in 2014 during his service in Afghanistan

Buttigieg joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2009 as an intelligence officer. In 2014, he took a seven-month break from being mayor to serve in Afghanistan. While there, he helped find and stop money networks used by terrorists. He also drove his commander on many trips into Kabul, watching for dangers. Buttigieg received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service. He left the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2017.

Running for State Treasurer

Buttigieg campaign photo for Indiana State Treasurer in March 2010

In 2010, Buttigieg ran for Indiana State Treasurer. He was the candidate for the Democratic Party. He received about 37.5 percent of the votes and lost to the Republican candidate. His campaign focused on criticizing his opponent for how he handled state pension funds.

Mayor of South Bend

In 2011, Buttigieg ran for mayor of South Bend. He wanted to bring new energy to the city, especially by creating jobs and improving education. He won the primary election against four other candidates. In November 2011, he was elected mayor with 74 percent of the votes. He took office in January 2012 when he was 29 years old. This made him one of the youngest mayors in South Bend's history.

First Term as Mayor

As mayor, Buttigieg started many projects to improve South Bend. One project was the "River Lights" display along the St. Joseph River trail. This public art project cost $700,000, raised from private donations. He also started a 3-1-1 system in 2013, which helps residents get city services.

One of his main programs was the "Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative," also known as 1,000 Properties in 1,000 Days. The goal was to fix or tear down old, empty buildings across South Bend. The program met its goal early, with many houses repaired or demolished.

During his first term, Buttigieg took a seven-month leave to serve in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy Reserve. His deputy mayor, Mark Neal, managed the city while he was away.

Second Term as Mayor

Buttigieg ran for a second term in 2015 and won with over 80 percent of the votes. After winning, he signed an order to create a recognized city identification card in 2016.

To make downtown South Bend better, Buttigieg started the Smart Streets program in 2013. This program aimed to improve the city's economy and make roads safer. The project was finished in 2017 and helped bring new businesses to the city.

Studebaker Building 84 in 2014

The city also worked with the State of Indiana and private companies to renovate the old Studebaker factory complex. This $165 million project started in 2016. The goal was to create new industrial and housing units. The Studebaker Building 84, also called Ivy Tower, was planned to become a technology hub. Later, South Bend was ranked among the best small cities in the United States, partly because of Buttigieg's efforts to improve the city.

Under Buttigieg, South Bend also started a smart sewer program. This program helped reduce pollution in the city's water system. The city also developed a climate plan called Carbon Neutral 2050, aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

In 2018, Buttigieg proposed moving the city's South Shore Line station, from the airport to downtown

Buttigieg also worked on improving transportation. He suggested moving the city's South Shore Line train station to downtown. South Bend also launched a program called Commuters Trust to help people with transportation benefits. The city invested $50 million in its parks, making them better for residents.

Protestors marching in response to the death of Eric Logan

End of Mayoral Term

In December 2018, Buttigieg announced he would not seek a third term as mayor. He supported James Mueller, who was a high-school classmate and his chief of staff. Mueller won the election and took office in January 2020.

2020 Presidential Campaign

Buttigieg announcing his candidacy for president in 2020 on April 14, 2019

On January 23, 2019, Buttigieg announced he was exploring a run for President of the United States. He officially launched his campaign in South Bend on April 14, 2019. If he had been elected, he would have been the youngest president. He also published his first book, Shortest Way Home, during this time.

Buttigieg described himself as a progressive and supported democratic capitalism. He believed that big money had too much influence in politics.

At first, many people thought he had little chance to win. But he gained popularity by December 2019. In February 2020, he narrowly won the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses. He came in second in the New Hampshire primary. After placing fourth in the South Carolina primary, Buttigieg stopped his campaign on March 1, 2020. The next day, he supported Joe Biden.

After his presidential campaign, Buttigieg started a political action committee (PAC) called Win The Era PAC. This PAC helped raise money for other Democratic candidates. In June 2020, the University of Notre Dame hired Buttigieg as a teacher and researcher. He also released his second book, Trust: America's Best Chance, in October 2020.

Buttigieg also helped Joe Biden's campaign for president. He gave a speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He also helped Kamala Harris prepare for the vice presidential debate by pretending to be Mike Pence.

Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025)

Vice President Kamala Harris swears in Buttigieg as Transportation secretary on February 3, 2021

After the presidential election, Joe Biden chose Buttigieg to be his Secretary of Transportation. The Senate approved his nomination on February 2, 2021, with a vote of 86 to 13. He was sworn in the next morning.

Work as Secretary

Buttigieg visits Washington Union Station on his first full day as Secretary of Transportation

As Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg worked to improve the department's policies. He brought back a program that helps local people get jobs on public works projects. This program aims to help minorities and people who face disadvantages.

Buttigieg also talked about how roads can divide communities. In June 2022, he started a $1 billion program called Reconnecting Communities. This program uses money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to build things like bus lines and walkways. These projects help connect parts of cities that were separated by roads.

Buttigieg and Barack Obama at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on November 9, 2021

After his twins were born in 2021, Buttigieg took time off for parental leave. This was approved by the White House.

After the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed, some people called Buttigieg "the most powerful transportation secretary ever." This is because his department now has a lot of money to give out for projects. President Biden also named him to the White House Competition Council, which works to promote fair economic competition.

Buttigieg in East Palestine, Ohio on February 23, 2023

Aviation and Infrastructure

In 2022, there were many problems with flights in the United States, like the 2022 Southwest Airlines scheduling crisis. Buttigieg directed the Department of Transportation to look into problems with airlines and customer rights. President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg launched flightrights.gov. This website tells airline customers what they should get if their flights are canceled or delayed.

In December 2023, the Department of Transportation fined Southwest Airlines $140 million for breaking customer protection laws. This was because of many flight cancellations in 2022. In October 2024, a new rule started that requires airlines to automatically give refunds for canceled flights if passengers don't take another flight.

Buttigieg supports a law called The Junk Fee Prevention Act. This law would lower fees for things like entertainment, hotel rooms, and airport services.

Buttigieg also worked on large infrastructure projects. He told Congress that the Biden administration would focus on the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project. This project had been stopped before, but Buttigieg helped it move forward. He also promoted the American Jobs Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Other Actions

Buttigieg has said that the United States needs to improve road traffic safety. He suggested better road designs. He also encouraged focusing more on human behavior in infrastructure policy. In March 2021, he said he was open to tolls on some highways, but not on bridges. He suggested "big picture solutions" like a mileage tax.

In June 2021, the White House created a task force to deal with problems in the supply chain. Buttigieg was one of the leaders of this group. By October 2021, there were many shortages of household goods. Buttigieg said this was due to high demand and the pandemic.

On February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Emergency teams burned some of the chemicals, which released harmful gases. Residents nearby had to leave their homes. Buttigieg's department said it would work to ensure safety and accountability. He later said he should have visited the site sooner.

Post-Secretary Career

In January 2025, reports said Buttigieg might run for U.S. Senate in Michigan. He had also shown interest in running for governor of Michigan.

In late January 2025, the University of Chicago announced that Buttigieg would be a fellow at their Institute of Politics. He will teach seminars there.

Political Positions

Infrastructure

During his 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg suggested spending $1 trillion on U.S. infrastructure projects over ten years. He believed this plan would create at least six million jobs. The plan focused on green energy, clean water, fixing roads and bridges, improving public transportation, and providing internet access.

Social Issues

Buttigieg supports expanding opportunities for national service. This would include a voluntary year of national service for young people turning 18. He also supports ending the death penalty.

Voting Rights

Buttigieg believes the Electoral College should be removed. He also wants to give voting rights back to people who have finished their prison sentences.

Campaign Finance Reform

Buttigieg supports changing campaign finance rules to reduce the influence of money in politics. His campaign said he did not accept money from certain groups. He also wanted to overturn past court decisions about campaign finance.

Statehood Advocacy

Buttigieg supports statehood for the District of Columbia. He also said he would support Puerto Rico becoming a state if the people of Puerto Rico wanted it.

Climate Change

Buttigieg at a town hall meeting in Des Moines on October 12, 2019, with supporters holding signs saying "Climate is a Crisis"

During his presidential campaign, Buttigieg said he would bring the United States back into the Paris Climate Agreement. He also supports the Green New Deal and a carbon tax to reduce pollution.

Economic Beliefs

Buttigieg speaking at the 2019 Iowa Federation of Labor Convention

Buttigieg identifies as a democratic capitalist. He has talked about taking action against large technology companies to protect privacy. He also supported reducing government debt.

Workers' Rights

In July 2019, Buttigieg shared a plan to make unions stronger. He also wanted to raise the minimum wage to $15 and offer national paid family leave.

Education

Buttigieg speaking to the Iowa State Education Association in 2020

Buttigieg's education plan included investing $700 billion in child care and pre-kindergarten for young children. He also proposed increasing funding for schools that serve students from lower-income families. Other goals included hiring more teachers of color, improving mental health services in schools, and creating more after-school programs.

His plan for college aimed to make it debt-free for many students. He wanted to expand grants for low-income students. Buttigieg did not support free college tuition for all students. He believed it would unfairly help wealthier families.

Foreign Policy

Buttigieg speaking with VoteVets.org in 2019

Buttigieg has said that the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan was justified. However, he supported removing American troops from the region while keeping an intelligence presence. He supports Israel and a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

In 2008, Buttigieg wrote an article saying the United States should support the independent region of Republic of Somaliland. He also believes the U.S. should stop supporting Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen.

Buttigieg has criticized China for its treatment of ethnic Uyghurs. He also criticized a decision to remove U.S. troops from Syria.

Health Care

Buttigieg opposed efforts to remove the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

During his presidential campaign, Buttigieg supported "Medicare for All Who Want It." This plan would include a public health insurance option. He also favored allowing Americans aged 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare. He supports a law that would provide up to 12 weeks of partial income for workers to care for new children or sick family members.

In August 2019, Buttigieg released a $300 billion plan to expand mental health care services.

Immigration

Buttigieg supports Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). He has criticized past deportation policies. In March 2017, he wrote an article defending a resident who was deported despite living in the U.S. for many years.

In January 2019, Buttigieg said that sending American troops to the Southern border was "reckless."

Personal Life

The Cathedral of St. James, which Buttigieg has attended

Buttigieg is a Christian and says his faith is important to him. He was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended Catholic schools. As an adult, he became a member of the Episcopal Church.

Besides English, Buttigieg knows some Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Dari Persian, and French. He plays guitar and piano. In 2013, he performed with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra as a guest piano soloist.

Pete and Chasten Buttigieg in 2019

Buttigieg announced his engagement to Chasten Glezman in December 2017. Chasten was a junior high school teacher. They met on a dating app. They were married on June 16, 2018. This made Buttigieg the first mayor of South Bend to get married while in office.

Buttigieg announced in August 2021 that he and his husband had become parents. In September 2021, he shared that they had adopted two newborn twins.

In July 2022, Buttigieg moved his permanent home to Traverse City, Michigan, which is Chasten's hometown.

Awards and Honors

In 2015, Buttigieg received the Fenn Award from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. This award recognized his work as mayor. In June 2019, Queerty named him one of its "Pride50" people for his work towards equality. He also received the "Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service" in October 2019.

Equality California, an LGBT-rights organization, gave Buttigieg and his husband Chasten their Equality Trailblazer Award in August 2020. Attitude, a British gay lifestyle magazine, named Buttigieg their 2020 Person of the Year. In August 2024, Buttigieg was added to the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame by the LGBTQ Victory Fund.

Electoral History

Images for kids

• 

  Buttigieg campaigning for DNC chairman in 2017

See also

In Spanish: Pete Buttigieg para niños

• List of Rhodes Scholars