10 times Pete Buttigieg proved he’s a great husband

In the public eye, Pete Buttigieg is known as the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. But behind the scenes, he’s also a loving and devoted husband to Chasten Buttigieg. Their relationship has captured the hearts of many, serving as a beacon of love and support.

From poignant kisses at significant moments to heartfelt anniversary celebrations, Buttigieg consistently shows the world what it means to be a great partner. Here are 10 times Pete demonstrated his unwavering love and commitment to Chasten, proving that he’s not just a capable public figure but also…

Related:

10 surprising things you never knew about Pete Buttigieg

Triathlons, multiple languages, and secret musical talents — is there anything he can’t do?

1. … he’s a romantic at heart.

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Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, discussed their married life and experiences as fathers in a 2024 Father’s Day interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

At the tail end of the interview, Pete got emotional as he reflects on marriage. It’s hard not to get a little swept up.

“Part of what’s amazing about falling in love and getting married is that you’re in it for this journey, that you just don’t know where it’s going to take you,” he said, fighting back tears. “But I can’t imagine I could have asked for anything better. Not that it hasn’t been hard, but if you’d asked me that summer night nine years ago, told me what was going to happen and this, it would’ve seemed greedy to even hope to have all of that nine years later.”

2. His love letter to Chasten won Valentine’s day.

Pete Buttigieg may not look like a big romantic, but his deep connection to his husband, Chasten, is obvious for everyone to see. In 2022, he shared a love letter and photo to mark the occasion. The couple had just adopted children, making their Valentine’s cheer all the more cheerful.

“Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life!” Buttigieg wrote. “I’m even more thankful for Chasten now that our love is not just an incredible gift between us but the foundation of a family. Here’s hoping our hearts continue to grow with every step we take together.”

3. He & Chasten proudly co-announced their parenthood.

Pete Buttigieg made the big announcement on X (formerly Twitter) to the delight of the internet.

“For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family,” Buttigieg posted in 2021. “We’re overjoyed to share that we’ve become parents! The process isn’t done yet and we’re thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can’t wait to share more soon.”

For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family. We’re overjoyed to share that we’ve become parents! The process isn’t done yet and we’re thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can’t wait to share more soon.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 17, 2021

The couple had publicly discussed wanting to have kids since early 2020 when Pete Buttigieg told People, “The next chapter in our personal lives is going to be about kids.”

4. He remembers anniversaries & knows how to mark them.

Pete Buttigieg is famously smart, so remembering his wedding anniversary isn’t all that impressive in and of itself. But this sweet social media post to mark the couple’s third anniversary in 2021 had his supporters saying “Awwwww!”

Three years since @Chasten and I said “I do” and I still can’t believe my good fortune. Happy anniversary, love! pic.twitter.com/5js9Dk5OAu

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) June 16, 2021

“Three years since [Chasten] and I said ‘I do’ and I still can’t believe my good fortune. Happy anniversary, love,” he wrote to accompany some seriously cute photos.

5. He knew who to thank at his historic confirmation hearing.

Buttigieg appeared before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in 2021. He’d just been appointed as Transportation Secretary, becoming the first out gay cabinet member.

In a heartfelt moment during his opening statement, Buttigieg thanked Chasten – who was sitting right behind him, wearing a mask – for his support in the process.

“I’d like to take a moment to introduce my husband Chasten Buttigieg, who is here with me today,” Pete Buttigieg said. “I’m really proud to have him by my side.”

“I also want to take this chance to thank him for his many sacrifices and his support in making it possible for me to pursue public service,” he added.

Transportation Secretary nominee Pete Buttigieg introduces his husband, Chasten, during his opening statement at confirmation hearing: "I want to thank him for his many sacrifices and his support in making it possible for me to pursue public service." https://t.co/nwOs3y6Mqw pic.twitter.com/ZN1qVGy5BN

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2021

6. He kissed Chasten just after announcing his presidential candidacy.

Pete Buttigieg made history when he became the first out presidential candidate with the potential to win, but one standout moment from his campaign had LGBTQ+ people in tears. After giving his speech, Buttigieg did what other candidates typically do: He kissed his spouse.

What was historic was that his spouse is his husband Chasten. Pete may not have won the office, but he sure did win over some hearts.

7. His marriage strengthened his faith.

Pete Buttigieg has been the target of unending homophobia disguised as “religion,” but he’s never been one to let the arrows pierce. In fact, Pete Buttigieg credits his marriage to Chasten Buttigieg as a strengthening force to his faith, reminding us there’s room for everyone who feels spiritually inclined.

Speaking at the LGBTQ Victory Fund’s annual brunch in 2019, he said, “[My marriage] has made me more compassionate, more understanding, more self-aware, more decent. My marriage to Chasten has made me a better man.”

He went even further to say that his marriage has moved him “closer to God.”

Mayor Pete Buttigieg: "My marriage to Chasten has made me a better man, and yes, Mr. Vice President, it has moved me closer to God." https://t.co/76lcMjQckB pic.twitter.com/czcdF2s1mq

— The Hill (@thehill) April 7, 2019

8. He knows his limitations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pete Buttigieg (@pete.buttigieg)

Sure, Pete Buttigieg is a brilliant man who speaks seven languages, plays several musical instruments, and serves on the president’s cabinet. But to be a good husband, you’ve got to know where your skillset lacks — even if that means not being able to weave the perfect apple pie top.

In 2018, Pete shared a wholesome Thanksgiving post, writing that he was “particularly thankful for [Chasten] doing all the complicated stuff.”

It’s important to give credit where credit is due.

9. His anniversary game really is that good.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pete Buttigieg (@pete.buttigieg)

The funny thing about anniversaries is they keep happening, and Pete Buttigieg rang the five-year bell with yet another sweet post.

“Can it really be 5 years ago that we said ‘I do’?,” he asked on Instagram. “It feels like we were just there – but then it also feels like we’ve had a lifetime’s worth of adventures together since then. And we’re just getting started. Happy Anniversary @chasten.buttigieg and here’s to the road ahead!”

We’re going to assume a nice dinner was involved as well.

10. He reposts with love!

Pete Buttigieg is highly articulate and never seems to be at a loss for words. But Chasten Buttigieg is also a force to be reckoned with, and it’s nice to see that Pete Buttigieg likes to amplify his man’s messages.

Posting to X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month for Pride, Chasten Buttigieg wrote, “Happy #Pride! You’re here. You made it. Or maybe you’re still figuring out how to kick that closet door down. Maybe you’re just trying to keep books on the shelf. Maybe you’re reconciling your faith and politics with the love of your child. Maybe you’re just trying to keep your students alive. Maybe you’re sticking up for your co-workers or your neighbors. Maybe you stood up and ran for school board. Or, maybe, you took a step forward in being authentically you. #Pride calls on all of us to show up as allies in many ways. However you approach your allyship, thanks for being you. Let’s march.”

Pete reposted Chasten’s galvanizing words in a show of support we love to see.

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