Pete Buttigieg Becomes 1st Openly Gay Person Confirmed To Cabinet Seat

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to lead the Transportation Department, making him the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet seat.

The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor was confirmed 86-13 in the upper chamber. Sen. Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), the first openly bisexual U.S. senator, announced the vote. 

“This confirmation breaks through a barrier that has existed for too long, where LGBTQ identity served as an impediment to nomination or confirmation at the highest level of government,” Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David said in a statement.

BREAKING: Senate just confirmed @PeteButtigieg (86-13) to serve as Transportation Secretary – making him the first Senate-confirmed, openly gay person to hold a Cabinet-level position.

Senator Kyrsten Sinema, the first openly bisexual U.S. senator, announced the vote.

Historic. pic.twitter.com/J4p6YvW7o8

— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) February 2, 2021

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.