‘Of course’ US was ready for a gay president, says Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg became the first out gay man to launch a Democratic presidential campaign in 2019. (Getty)
Pete Buttigieg says the US was ready for a gay president when he ran for the White House.
The former Transportation Secretary and 2020 presidential candidate was asked about his decision to run for president as an openly gay man during an appearance on ‘Meet The Press’.
Buttigieg said he “wouldn’t have run” if he didn’t believe the country was ready to elect a gay president.
“My experience in South Bend, Indiana, in getting reelected with 80% of the vote after coming out,” Buttigieg said. “And my experience, right now, traveling the country, shows me that what’s important, and what’s really on people’s minds, isn’t about you, your identity as a candidate; it’s about them. It’s about their lives.”
Buttigieg made history during his 2020 presidential campaign, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win a US presidential primary or caucus when he won the Iowa Democratic caucuses.
He ultimately ended his campaign before the Democratic nominee was chosen, but his historic run marked a major moment for LGBTQ+ representation in US politics.
Now, with speculation already surrounding the 2028 presidential race, Buttigieg has once again found himself at the centre of conversations about whether America could eventually elect its first openly gay president.
