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Pete Buttigieg: U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Early Life and Career
Pete Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from Harvard University and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. After graduating, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company.
Naval Service
Buttigieg served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2009 to 2017. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2014.
Political Career
In 2012, Buttigieg was elected Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He served in this role from 2012 to 2020. As mayor, he implemented a number of successful initiatives, including a program to reduce poverty and a plan to invest in infrastructure.
2020 Presidential Campaign
In 2019, Buttigieg announced his candidacy for President of the United States. He was one of the first openly gay candidates to run for president. Buttigieg suspended his campaign in March 2020 and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden.
Secretary of Transportation
In December 2020, President Biden nominated Buttigieg to be Secretary of Transportation. He was confirmed by the Senate in February 2021. As Secretary, Buttigieg has focused on investing in infrastructure, promoting safety, and reducing emissions.
Awards and Recognition
- Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People (2019)
- Forbes' 30 Under 30 (2012)
- Rhodes Scholar (2005)
Sources