Pete Buttigieg is one of the names being whispered as a potential Democratic vice presidential candidate, but who is he? Buttigieg’s name is likely vaguely familiar to those who don’t follow politics closely. However, many have probably forgotten his political history, given his relatively low profile since the 2020 presidential elections. So, if you need a refresher, we’ve put together some facts about his past in politics and why he may be under consideration for Kamala Harris’s VP pick.
Who is Pete Buttigieg, and what’s his political history?
Pete Buttigieg is the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and the current United States secretary of transportation. He’s a veteran of the US Navy Reserve, serving from 2009 to 2017, during which time he deployed to Afghanistan once. He resigned his commission at the rank of Lieutenant.
Buttgieg’s political career has been relatively brief for a vice presidential candidate. He worked on John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, and Jill Long Thompson’s 2002 congressional bid and 2008 campaign for governor of Indiana.
The first election Buttigieg participated in as a candidate was in 2010 when he campaigned for Indiana State Treasurer as a Democrat. He lost the race to the Republican incumbent, Richard Mourdock, in a landslide. The election results were 37.5% of the vote for Buttigieg and 62.5% for Mourdock.
Buttgieg’s Democratic bid for Mayor of South Bend in 2011 was more successful, and he won reelection in 2015. However, these have been his only successful races to date. His runs for chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 2017 and President of the United States in 2020 were met with failure.
Buttigieg is the first openly gay man to win a presidential caucus, which he achieved in 2020 by finishing first in Iowa. He’s also the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in US history.
Why could Pete Buttigieg be chosen as the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate?
Here are some of Buttgieg’s strengths according to critics:
Americans love firsts, and Buttigieg, potentially the first openly gay vice presidential candidate, would be popular with those who prioritize inclusivity and diversity on the ballot. Some see him as the best of both worlds, as he’s also a white man from the Midwest and a veteran, which would help bring balance to the ticket.
At 42, Buttigieg is young for a vice presidential candidate, but that may work in the Democrats’ favor if he’s chosen. Biden’s advanced age is no doubt a significant contributor to his decision to drop out, and a young vice president could give undecided voters confidence to cast their ballots. Furthermore, he’s extremely well educated, with degrees from Harvard and Oxford, which may put those critical of his relative youth at ease.
