South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has announced he will not seek a third term in a Monday morning press conference.
Buttiegieg said he has been consulting with colleagues, friends and family about his decision.
“Through that consultation and that discernment, I know now that the time has come for me to prepare the city for new leadership again. And when my present term in office comes to a close a year and two weeks from now, at the end of 2019, I will not be seeking a third term as mayor.”
A name floated as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2020, Buttigieg has made several trips to Iowa recently and has a book scheduled for release in February. He says he will use the remainder of his term “to its absolute maximum,” but also acknowledged officeholders can also be candidates.
Buttigieg declined to answer whether he is planning a presidential run. The mayor said he will not make any other political announcement before January.