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5 Surprising Facts About Pete Buttigieg’s Family Life In 2025

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The family life of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has remained a subject of intense public interest, particularly since he and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, welcomed their twins. As of December 2025, the Buttigieg family narrative is one of balancing high-level political service with the realities of raising toddlers, a journey that has recently included a major geographic shift and candid discussions about the complexities of modern adoption.

Their story is a powerful symbol of the changing American family, offering a rare glimpse into the personal world of a cabinet secretary and his spouse. From the heartwarming inspiration behind Chasten’s new children's book to the challenges of navigating a whirlwind adoption process, here is the latest, most intimate look at the Buttigieg family.

The Complete Buttigieg-Glezman Family Profile

The Buttigieg family is anchored by two prominent public figures and their two young children, representing a modern, politically engaged American household. Their life is split between the demands of Washington D.C. and their personal base in the Midwest.

  • Peter Paul Montgomery "Pete" Buttigieg (Husband/Father):
    • Born: January 19, 1982 (Age 43 in 2025)
    • Birthplace: South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
    • Parents: Joseph Anthony Buttigieg (Maltese immigrant, literature professor) and Jennifer Anne Montgomery (professor). Pete is an only child.
    • Career Highlights: Mayor of South Bend (2012–2020), 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate, 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025).
  • Chasten James Glezman Buttigieg (Husband/Father):
    • Born: June 23, 1989 (Age 36 in 2025)
    • Birthplace: Traverse City, Michigan, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Former middle school teacher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and New York Times bestselling author of the memoir I Have Something to Tell You and the children's book Papa's Coming Home.
    • Marriage: Married Pete Buttigieg in 2018.
  • The Children (Twins):
    • Names: Joseph August "Gus" Buttigieg and Penelope Rose Buttigieg.
    • Born: August 2021.
    • Adoption: Adopted through a "surprise adoption scenario." They are mixed-race twins.

The Buttigiegs’ Big Move: Why Traverse City is Now Home

One of the most significant recent changes for the family is their decision to make Traverse City, Michigan, Chasten’s hometown, their full-time residence. While Secretary Buttigieg’s duties require frequent travel and time in Washington D.C., the family officially relocated from the capital to Michigan to be closer to Chasten’s extended family.

This move highlights the perennial challenge faced by political families: finding stability and a strong support network while one parent holds a demanding national office. For the Buttigiegs, prioritizing proximity to grandparents and other relatives became essential for raising their two young children.

The twins, Gus and Penelope, are now growing up in a more grounded, Midwestern environment, a contrast to the intense political spotlight of D.C. The family has emphasized the importance of this time, with Pete Buttigieg noting that fatherhood has profoundly changed his perspective on life and politics.

The decision to settle in Traverse City also reinforces Chasten’s deep connection to the area, the place where he grew up and where the inspiration for his advocacy work often originates.

Candid Conversations: Race, Adoption, and the Reality of Fatherhood

The Buttigiegs have been remarkably open about the adoption of their twins, a process they have described as a "whirlwind." Their willingness to share the emotional and logistical realities of building their family has made them relatable figures for many Americans.

In a notable interview in April 2025, Pete Buttigieg spoke directly about the intersection of race and the adoption process, a topic often overlooked in public discourse. "Anybody who says race is not a thing in this country should experience an adoption process," he stated, highlighting the complex layers involved in adopting mixed-race children.

This candidness extends to the daily life of fatherhood. Both parents have spoken about the exhaustion and the profound joy that comes with raising twins. Pete Buttigieg has often mentioned the challenge of balancing his role as a cabinet secretary with his commitment as a father, stressing that his family life remains the most meaningful part of his existence, regardless of his political career.

Chasten’s Literary Legacy and the Twins’ Inspiration

Chasten Buttigieg has channeled his experience as a father into his second book, the children’s picture book *Papa’s Coming Home*. The book, inspired directly by his children, Penelope and Gus, celebrates the unconditional love within a family, particularly when a parent must travel for work.

This work is especially timely, as it addresses the separation that comes with Pete’s role as Secretary of Transportation, a job that requires extensive travel across the country. The book serves as a comforting narrative for children of traveling parents, reinforcing the bond that remains strong despite the distance.

Chasten’s writing is also a deliberate act of advocacy. He has noted that he wrote the book with a purpose, especially at a time when LGBTQ-themed children's books are facing challenges in some parts of the country. His earlier memoir, *I Have Something to Tell You*, provided a personal account of his life, including his journey to finding Pete and his experiences as an advocate and teacher.

Recent Challenges and the Unseen Side of Public Life

While the Buttigiegs often project a picture of professional success and domestic happiness, their public life also exposes them to intense scrutiny and occasional personal challenges. The demands of Pete’s cabinet position mean their family is frequently in the news, sometimes for sensitive reasons.

A recent example that brought the realities of their private life into the public eye was the cancellation of a scheduled event in November 2025. The event was postponed due to a "medical emergency with Pete Buttigieg’s family," a brief but stark reminder that even high-profile figures must contend with unexpected personal crises.

The family has also faced criticism and attacks from political opponents, often centered on their decision to adopt and their roles as two fathers. Chasten, in particular, has become a vocal defender of their family and other LGBTQ+ families, using his platform to push back against intolerance and promote acceptance.

The Buttigieg family continues to redefine what a political family looks like in the 21st century. Their story is a blend of public service, literary advocacy, and the universal experience of parenthood, all set against the backdrop of an ever-evolving American political and social landscape.

pete buttigieg family
pete buttigieg family

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