The first openly-LGBTI candidate in the 2020 US presidential race, Pete Buttigieg, formally launched his White House bid on Sunday (14 April).
‘My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me Mayor Pete,’ Buttigieg said to a rally of thousands.
‘I am a proud son of South Bend, Indiana. And I am running for President of the United States.’
I just announced I’m running for president of the United States. Join in and donate if you can. It’s going to be an amazing ride and I can’t wait to be on it with you all the way to the White House: https://t.co/edZnUvfc2I pic.twitter.com/OTi0YsAG5R
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) April 14, 2019
The 37-year-old is making history as an openly-LGBTI presidential candidate.
He has surpassed expectations to become a serious contender of the Democratic ticket.
Buttigieg raised more than US$7 million in the first quarter.
‘It’s time to walk away from the politics of the past, and toward something totally different. … That’s why, this time, it’s not just about winning an election—it’s about winning an era’ he said on Sunday.
Joined by his husband Chasten on stage, Pete Buttigieg, the little-known mayor turned 2020 contender, makes a historic presidential bid.
If elected, he would be the first openly gay president to occupy the White House: https://t.co/tli35MXZoy pic.twitter.com/a1t73F7yYM
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 14, 2019
Buttigieg thanked his husband Chasten Glezman during his speech.
‘Our marriage exists by the grace of a single vote on the U.S. Supreme Court’ he said.
‘Nine men and women sat down in a room and took a vote, and they brought me the most important freedom in my life.’
‘Historic’
The LGBTI community welcomed Buttigieg’s announcement.
If you’re not watching @PeteButtigieg announce his run for the White House right now, you’re not only missing history in the making, you’re missing the ideas and passion this country so badly needs. Wherever #HarveyMilk is listening from, his heart is full, and his smile wide.
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) April 14, 2019
Historic: Today, for the first time, an out gay candidate will officially launch his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President. Truly consequential moment for our country & movement. Another strong, pro-equality candidate in an exciting primary!https://t.co/GszlA0Pt97
— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) April 14, 2019
The announcement by @PeteButtigieg is an historic moment. He is a role model for all young Americans, and his message of hope and inclusivity resounds in this time of darkness. His candidacy marks a new era in our political and civic history. Welcome to the big stage, Mayor Pete.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) April 14, 2019
Presidential race
Buttigieg officially entered the presidential race last month.
He is the only LGBTI Democratic candidate running so far and will be the first openly gay presidential candidate to participate in the DNC Primary debates.
Buttigieg is already impressing the American public.
A Rhodes scholar and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, the Mayor of South Bend can also speak eight languages.
His primary work as mayor has focused on redevelopment. At 37, he is the youngest presidential candidate in the race.
A poll of Democratic candidates in the state of Iowa last month placed Buttigieg third.
He earned double digits and surpassed more nationally known contenders like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren.
Buttigieg has had run-ins with notoriously homophobic Vice President Mike Pence.
It all started when Buttigieg alluded to Mike Pence having a problem with the gay mayor’s sexuality.
From there, the situation escalated quickly, with Pence’s wife Karen weighing in on the controversy and Pence himself replying to Buttigieg.