Pete Buttigieg has officially called it quits as the Mayor of South Bend, Indiana.
Buttigieg, the 2020 presidential hopeful, turned down his bid to run for reelection in his hometown of South Bend earlier this year.
That opened up a path for another candidate to assume his responsibilities — and in January, Buttigieg will officially give up his position.
His former Chief of Staff James Mueller was elected Tuesday.
After being endorsed by Buttigieg, Mueller fought through nine Democrats in the primary. Tuesday, he formally beat GOP candidate Sean Haas in an overwhelming victory.
According to The Hill, it has been rough sledding for Republicans in South Bend, although Indiana at large is a red state.
A Republican mayor has not been elected in the liberal city since 1967.
Buttigieg took to Twitter to congratulate his former aide.
“Big congratulations to James @MuellerforMayor and all of the South Bend Common Council members elected tonight!” he wrote. “Great opportunities are ahead for continued progress and inclusive growth in our hometown.”
Big congratulations to James @MuellerforMayor and all of the South Bend Common Council members elected tonight! Great opportunities are ahead for continued progress and inclusive growth in our hometown.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 6, 2019
Buttigieg has enjoyed surprising poll numbers among the 2020 Democrats.
According to The Hill reports, he’s found himself in the top tier of liberals in recent weeks, along with former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and Bernie Sanders, I-V.T.
Good news for Buttigieg — because there’s no mayor job waiting for Mayor Pete if he doesn’t win.
The Horn editorial team