South Bend Mayor Announces Exploratory Committee For President

Pete Buttigieg says he's not the most well-known or well-funded candidate, but that doesn't matter.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg may run for President of the United States of America. City of South Bend photo.

(South Bend, Ind.) - Indiana Democrat Pete Buttigieg is forming an exploratory committee for a 2020 presidential bid. 

In announcing his run Wednesday, he cited some reasons for tossing his hat into the race 

“It’s time for a new generation of leadership for our country. We can’t nibble around the edges of a broken system,” said Buttigieg.

The 37-year-old Mayor of South Bend would be the first openly gay nominee to run for the highest office. But, “Mayor Pete” added another reason he is unique among the Democrats who have announced a bid for the 2020 presidency. 

“I am the only one who is living a middle-class lifestyle in a  middle-class neighborhood in middle America,” he said.

Buttigieg has touted his work to improve his city as he's prepared for an improbable jump from local politics to a presidential campaign.  Buttigieg is a Rhodes Scholar who was first elected mayor of his hometown in 2011 at age 29, making him the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents. 

He is a former Navy intelligence officers and deployed to Afghanistan for several months during his first term as mayor.

By the way, his last name is pronounced “BOOT-eh-jej.”

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Indiana's Strengthened Animal-Cruelty Law Provides New Tools to Prosecute Serious Neglect

A recent Dearborn County prosecution illustrates the challenges presented by the former law and the importance of the new provisions.

Ripley County Film Fest Moves to February 2027, Film Submissions Now Open

Film submissions are open now, and close December 1, 2026.

Talking and Teaching Signs Installed at Ludlow Hill Park

The sign installation is part of a United Way of Greater Cincinnati Southeast Indiana initiative.

ORVC Names Players of the Week for September 7-12

Five student athletes earned weekly honors.

Local Sports Report - September 15, 2026

The Ripley County Cross Country Championship highlighted the action on Tuesday

Oldenburg Star Records 1,000th Career Kill

The milestone moment happened Monday night vs. South Ripley

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Eli Young Band - Crazy Girl

Pam Tillis In Between Dances 14:55
Ashley McBryde The Devil I Know 14:48
Luke Bryan Play It Again 14:44
Forester Sisters Men 14:41