Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg denied plans to run for an open Senate seat in Michigan on Thursday. He said he would remain a member of President Joe Biden's Cabinet.
Buttigieg, who has come under heat amid a large wave of flight cancellations during the holidays, said for the time being, he serves at the pleasure of the president.
WATCH: BIDEN JOINS BUTTIGIEG AT 150-YEAR-OLD TUNNEL TO TOUT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
“I love this job, and I feel like we’re right in the middle of the action,” Buttigieg told Punchbowl News. “This is a job that I think is the best job in the federal government. It’s been very challenging dealing with a lot of issues, especially COVID-related issues that affect everything from container shipping to airline cancellations. But also, there’s not been a better time for transportation in — I would argue in our lifetime because we have this historical bipartisan infrastructure law."
Buttigieg added that his job as secretary is a “privilege” and takes up “110%” of his attention but admitted he faced challenges with the flight cancellations that left thousands stranded in airports during the holidays.
Buttigieg has been floated as a potential Democratic candidate for the seat currently held by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who is retiring next year. Buttigieg rose to prominence during the 2020 Democratic primaries. He gained national attention as the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and is expected to run for the party's nomination for president in the future.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Being the transportation secretary puts Buttigieg No. 14 in the presidential line of succession. Friday will mark the two-year anniversary since Buttigieg assumed office.