Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary under President Biden, signaled Monday that he leans toward running for president in 2028. Speaking on the podcast "The Diary of a CEO," Buttigieg said he is "more inclined than not" to enter the race, though he acknowledged significant uncertainties remain about the political landscape.
Buttigieg served as Biden's transportation chief from 2021 through the administration's end in January 2025. His comments represent an early step in what could become a competitive Democratic primary contest following Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
The Indiana-born politician previously ran for president in 2020, finishing fourth in Iowa before ending his campaign. That race ultimately elevated him to a cabinet position and expanded his national profile. A 2028 run would represent his second presidential bid.
His tentative language reflects the uncertainty facing Democrats after their 2024 losses. The party faces questions about its direction, messaging, and generational leadership. Buttigieg, at 42, positions himself among younger Democrats potentially positioned for 2028, competing for attention against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and other figures testing national waters.
The transportation secretary's tenure focused on infrastructure implementation following passage of the Biden administration's landmark infrastructure bill. He became the first openly gay cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate, a milestone that shaped his political identity.
Buttigieg's qualified interest in running reflects common positioning by ambitious politicians this early in a new presidential cycle. His statement stops short of commitment, allowing him to assess party dynamics, fundraising capacity, and rival candidates' moves before making a final decision.
Democrats are beginning preliminary positioning for 2028 as the party searches for new leadership and strategies following Trump's return to power.