South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg says he won't seek a third term, fueling speculation he may run for president in 2020.
Buttigieg announced Monday he won't seek re-election next year but he didn't reveal his future political plans.
He says he's 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," he says. "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."
As a South Bend resident and as a voter, I will be eager to see candidates step forward who recognize the challenge ahead and care about continuing to transform our city’s future. — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) December 17, 2018
The 36-year-old gained national attention as he campaigned for Democratic National Committee chairman last year. He dropped out of that race just before voting started.
Buttigieg is scheduled to speak Saturday at an Iowa political dinner along with other potential Democratic presidential candidates. He also spoke at a Progress Iowa event last year.
Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar who served in Afghanistan in 2014 as a Naval Reserve officer. He married his husband, Chasten Glezman, in June.
Read More: Could South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Become President?
Asked Monday whether he'd comment about a possible presidential bid he replied "nope." He indicated he won't make any other political announcement before January.
He says he will use the remainder of his term "to its absolute maximum," but acknowledged officeholders can also be candidates.
Tony Krabill contributed to this report.