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Pete Buttigieg Says America Is Ready for Its First Openly Gay President
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Buttigieg Declares U.S. Ready for a Gay President
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told *Meet the Press* host Kristen Welker that “of course” the United States is prepared to elect an openly gay president. He added that he would not have entered the 2020 Democratic primary if he did not believe the country was ready for such a milestone. In the same interview he emphasized that voters are more concerned with “their lives” than a candidate’s sexual orientation and that the nation is poised for change ahead of a critical midterm election cycle.
Background & Context
Buttigieg first entered national politics as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, where he was re-elected with 80 % of the vote after publicly coming out. He launched his 2020 presidential campaign in April 2019 and became the first openly gay candidate to win a major party caucus when he carried the Iowa Democratic caucuses. He ultimately suspended his campaign before the Democratic convention and later joined President Joe Biden’s cabinet as Transportation Secretary. Former Vice President Kamala Harris listed him as her initial running-mate choice in her memoir *107 Days*, but later described a ticket with a Black woman and a gay man as “too big of a risk.”
Data & Statistics
- 80 % – Buttigieg’s share of the vote in his 2019 South Bend mayoral re-election after coming out.
- 35 states – The number of states he says he has visited since leaving the cabinet, according to his own count.
Official Statements & Responses
In the *Meet the Press* interview Buttigieg reiterated that his personal electoral success in a deep-red state demonstrates broader national acceptance. He argued that the current economic climate under former President Donald Trump, including record-high diesel prices, is driving voters to seek change. He projected that Democrats will win the upcoming midterms and stressed that his focus remains on helping the party secure congressional control rather than announcing any 2028 presidential plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My experience in South Bend, Indiana, in getting reelected with 80% of the vote after coming out,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
- “I don’t think now is the time to even be talking about that,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
- “You can’t fool people about what’s going on in their own lives,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
- “They are ready for change, even in districts where I didn’t think we would even be able to compete, if you were to ask me 6 months ago,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
What’s Next
Buttigieg indicated that the next 50 days are critical for the midterm elections, which he believes Democrats will win. He stopped short of confirming any 2028 presidential bid, stating that his current priority is to support Democratic candidates nationwide.