Deep Dive: Mayor Pete (2021)
Film Lens

Mayor Pete is a 2021 documentary directed by Jesse Moss that follows Pete Buttigieg during his presidential campaign. The film begins one year before the 2020 Iowa caucuses, where Buttigieg emerged as the first openly gay candidate to win a primary. It captures his experiences as the mayor of South Bend, a city that faced decline after the Studebaker factory closed in the 1960s, and how his leadership aimed to revitalize the community.
The documentary also provides insight into Buttigieg's personal life, including his marriage and discussions on LGBT parenting. It features key moments such as his press conference with Al Sharpton in April 2019, addressing homophobia, and his interactions with various community leaders. The film culminates in Buttigieg's historic appointment as the first confirmed gay cabinet member in U.S. history as Secretary of Transportation in 2021.
Why Watch
- •Watch Buttigieg's rise in South Bend politics.
- •See his historic presidential campaign moments.
- •Meet key figures like Al Sharpton and Rachel Maddow.
Did You Know
•Buttigieg won the 2020 Iowa Democratic presidential caucuses.
•In July 2019, Buttigieg's police force was 6% black in a city that is 26% black.
•Buttigieg became the first openly gay candidate to participate in a U.S. presidential debate.
Perfect For
Political documentary fansLGBTQ+ representationCampaign strategy enthusiasts