Four years ago, Pete Buttigieg was known as the millennial mayor of a small American city. Today, he is being discussed as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, a significant shift in his already impressive political trajectory. Currently serving as President Biden’s Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg has acknowledged the speculation surrounding his future, responding with a degree of open-endedness.
“I’m flattered to be mentioned in this context,” Buttigieg remarked during an appearance on ABC’s “The View.” He emphasized the importance of the Vice President’s choice, stating, “It’s a very important choice and she’s going to make the choice that is right for her, the ticket and the campaign, but most of all for the country.” His journey from South Bend, Indiana, to a prominent Cabinet position in Washington, D.C., is a compelling narrative of rapid ascent in American politics.
Who is Pete Buttigieg? A Background Overview
Born in 1982, Pete Buttigieg, at 42 years old, boasts a robust academic background. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2000 before attending Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2004. Furthering his education, Buttigieg became a Rhodes scholar at the University of Oxford, completing a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics in 2007. This strong educational foundation equipped him for a multifaceted career spanning consulting, military service, and public office.
Following his time at Oxford, Buttigieg entered the world of consulting. However, his interest in public service quickly drew him to political campaigns. In 2008, he took a leave to contribute to Jill Long Thompson’s gubernatorial campaign in Indiana, marking his early foray into electoral politics. His commitment to service extended beyond campaigns; in 2009, Buttigieg joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving as an intelligence officer.
From South Bend Mayor to National Figure
Buttigieg’s first foray into electoral politics was in 2010 when he ran for Indiana State Treasurer. Although unsuccessful against the incumbent, this experience set the stage for his subsequent mayoral campaign in South Bend in 2011. Winning with a significant 74% of the vote, he earned the moniker “Mayor Pete.” At 29, he became the second-youngest mayor in South Bend’s history and the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with over 100,000 residents, demonstrating early appeal and leadership capabilities.
His mayoral tenure was briefly interrupted by a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2014 as part of his Naval Reserve service, underscoring his commitment to both local governance and national duty. Returning to South Bend, Buttigieg secured reelection in 2015, further solidifying his position in local politics. That same year marked a personal milestone as he publicly came out as gay, making him the first openly LGBTQ mayor of South Bend, a move that resonated nationally and highlighted his pioneering spirit. He later married Chasten Glezman in 2018, and they adopted twins in 2021.
Presidential Aspirations and National Recognition
Pete Buttigieg’s ambitions soon expanded to the national stage. In 2017, he sought the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, withdrawing on election day. This foray paved the way for a more significant national campaign: his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.
Entering a crowded field that included established figures like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Buttigieg, initially a lesser-known candidate, gained traction through strong debate performances and a message of generational change. His campaign resonated particularly in early primary states.
Buttigieg won the 2020 Iowa caucuses and placed second in the New Hampshire primary, signaling his viability as a national candidate. While he eventually withdrew from the race on March 1, 2020, his campaign significantly raised his profile and positioned him as a prominent voice within the Democratic party. Crucially, he became a vocal supporter of the Biden-Harris ticket, effectively campaigning and defending their platform, showcasing his team player attitude and political acumen. He notably assisted Kamala Harris in preparing for her vice-presidential debate, further cementing his role as a valuable asset to the party.
Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation and Potential VP
Following the 2020 election, President Biden nominated Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation. Confirmed by the Senate in February 2021, Buttigieg has since focused on infrastructure improvements, road safety, and addressing supply chain disruptions, particularly those experienced in 2021. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize American infrastructure and tackle logistical challenges, demonstrating his capacity for executive leadership at a national level.
Beyond his policy work, Buttigieg has remained a key surrogate for the Biden-Harris administration, consistently defending their policies and engaging in political discourse. His ability to articulate the administration’s positions effectively, even on traditionally challenging platforms, has further elevated his standing within the party.
The speculation around Pete Buttigieg as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris reflects his perceived strengths within the Democratic party. His youthfulness, articulate communication style, and broad appeal across different demographics are seen as valuable assets. Figures like South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn have publicly voiced support for Buttigieg as a potential VP pick, indicating that this consideration is not merely speculative but holds weight within Democratic circles.
In a recent appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Buttigieg directly addressed Republican criticisms regarding immigration and crime, effectively countering their claims and pivoting to question former President Trump’s age and acuity. This assertive defense of the administration and sharp political maneuvering further underscore his readiness for higher office and his potential value as a running mate. As the 2024 election cycle progresses, the question of whether Pete Buttigieg will be on the ticket remains open, but his qualifications and political trajectory certainly place him as a leading contender in the VP conversation.
