Introduction
When discussing modern American politics and progressive values, few public figures embody a blend of policy, empathy, and personal authenticity like Pete Buttigieg. The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Joe Biden, Pete’s political ascent has been widely documented. Yet, much of his personal story – particularly his relationship with husband Chasten Buttigieg, their family life, and how they’re redefining what it means to be a political power couple – often captivates the public even more.
This article takes a deep dive into Pete Buttigieg’s husband, Chasten James Glezman Buttigieg, the couple’s family journey, their children, books, net worth, and shared advocacy for equality and love.
Who Is Pete Buttigieg? A Quick Bio
Full Name: Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg
Birthday: January 19, 1982
Age (as of 2025): 43 years
Career: Former mayor, U.S. Navy veteran, 2020 presidential candidate, U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Education: Harvard University (BA), Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar)
Net Worth (2025 Estimate): $750,000 – $1 million (including book sales, speaking engagements, and federal salary)
Pete is widely respected for his intelligence, calm demeanor, multilingual fluency, and ability to bridge political divides. But much of what humanizes him to the American public lies in his family story – particularly his relationship with Chasten Buttigieg.
Meet Chasten Buttigieg: Husband, Author, Advocate
Chasten James Glezman Buttigieg, born on June 23, 1989, in Traverse City, Michigan, is a teacher, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Before meeting Pete, Chasten was teaching middle school humanities and theater and had a background in global studies and education.
He attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, followed by graduate studies at DePaul University in Chicago. Raised in a conservative Midwestern family, Chasten has spoken openly about the challenges he faced growing up gay, including periods of homelessness, mental health struggles, and rejection.
Despite those challenges, he built a meaningful career in education and later stepped into the national spotlight as Pete’s partner and eventual spouse.
How Pete and Chasten Met: A Modern Love Story
Pete and Chasten met in 2015 through the dating app Hinge. At the time, Pete was serving as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Chasten was a teacher with a passion for theater and education. Their first date was a simple baseball game followed by fireworks—a fitting metaphor for what followed in their lives.
In December 2017, Pete proposed at O’Hare Airport in Chicago—an unusual but sentimental spot, as it marked many of their comings and goings.
The two were married on June 16, 2018, in a ceremony at Cathedral of Saint James in South Bend, Indiana. It was the first same-sex wedding ever held at the church and was widely celebrated as a symbol of progress for LGBTQ+ rights.
Public Partnership and Campaign Trail Challenges
Chasten rapidly evolved into more than a supportive spouse. During Pete’s 2020 presidential campaign, he was an active, visible presence—charming audiences with wit, warmth, and a relatable narrative about family, love, and advocacy. He earned comparisons to former First Lady Michelle Obama in terms of charisma and relatability.
He was involved in campaign strategy, youth engagement, and LGBTQ+ outreach, quickly becoming a social media favorite. He even earned the nickname “First Gentleman” from campaign supporters, should Pete have won the presidency.
Books by Pete and Chasten
1. “I Have Something to Tell You” by Chasten Buttigieg
Released in 2020, this deeply personal memoir shares Chasten’s journey of self-discovery, his coming out, struggles with mental health, and life on the campaign trail with Pete. It was praised for its honesty, humor, and insights into what it’s like to be the spouse of a presidential hopeful.
2. “Trust: America’s Best Chance” by Pete Buttigieg
Pete’s political manifesto, released during his campaign, offers insights into restoring trust in American institutions and democracy. Though not directly about their personal life, Pete does reference Chasten and the role he played during key moments.
3. “I Have Something to Tell You — For Young Adults”
In 2023, Chasten adapted his memoir for younger readers, offering LGBTQ+ youth a candid and empowering narrative. The book was praised for helping queer youth feel seen and supported in their identity journeys.
4. “Papa’s Coming Home”
In 2024, Chasten published his first children’s book, inspired by their family life. The book, which became a New York Times bestseller, celebrates fatherhood, diverse families, and the excitement of a parent returning home. It’s based on their twins waiting for Pete to return from long work trips and includes diverse family representations.
Pete and Chasten’s Children: Adoption and Parenting Journey
In August 2021, Pete and Chasten announced they were growing their family. Just weeks later, they revealed they had welcomed fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, through adoption:
Joseph August “Gus” Buttigieg
Penelope Rose Buttigieg
The name Joseph August honors Pete’s father, Joseph Buttigieg, a Maltese-American literary scholar and professor who passed away in 2019.
The couple has spoken about the joys and challenges of parenthood. In interviews, Pete has shared how becoming a dad changed his life perspective more than any campaign or political role. Chasten, too, has detailed the sleepless nights, medical emergencies (both twins were hospitalized with RSV shortly after birth), and unconditional love that defines their parenting experience.
Family Life in the Public Eye
Despite their public personas, the Buttigiegs aim to give their twins as normal a childhood as possible. They’ve made a conscious effort to limit their children’s exposure on social media but occasionally share joyful moments—holiday celebrations, birthdays, and quiet family time.
Both Pete and Chasten have emphasized that fatherhood is their most important job, often adjusting schedules around parenting duties. Pete famously took paternity leave during his tenure as Secretary of Transportation—a first for any U.S. cabinet official—which ignited national conversations around paid family leave.
Was Pete Buttigieg Married Before?
No. Pete Buttigieg had never been married before Chasten. Their marriage in 2018 is his first and only.
Pete Buttigieg’s Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Pete Buttigieg’s estimated net worth is between $750,000 to $1 million. This includes:
Government salary (Secretary of Transportation: approx. $221,400/year)
Book royalties
Speaking fees
Investments and savings
Chasten contributes to the household income through book sales and media engagements, though much of their focus remains on parenting and public service.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Together, Pete and Chasten have reshaped the image of political families in the U.S., becoming symbols of openness, inclusion, and modern American values. They’re among the few high-profile same-sex couples in American political history, especially ones raising children in the public eye.
They’ve also shown that authenticity resonates: whether it’s Chasten tweeting funny dad jokes, Pete navigating tough Senate hearings, or both celebrating Pride Month as parents.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of American Families
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg are more than a political couple. They represent a new American family—one rooted in love, shared values, and the belief that public service doesn’t have to come at the expense of private joy.
Their journey—meeting online, falling in love, marrying, adopting children, and building a life in the public eye—resonates with millions. It challenges outdated perceptions of what family looks like and reminds us all that empathy, partnership, and purpose can co-exist beautifully.
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