Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
LGBTQ+ politician makes historic U.S. presidency run.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mayor Pete
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MAYOR PETE is about the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate campaign of Pete Buttigieg, a Harvard and Oxford graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and military officer who was also mayor of his hometown South Bend, Indiana. Through archival footage and one-on-one interviews, the film highlights a year-long look back at the candidate; his husband, Chasten, a teacher and LGBTQ+ activist; and political consultants involved in building the Buttigieg brand as a U.S. president.
Is It Any Good?
Director Jesse Moss (Dirty Money) provides a seismic perspective about Buttigieg should the politician ever decide to compete again for another presidential run. Already in a Cabinet position as Transportation Secretary, Mayor Pete gives Buttigieg yet another boost of favorable publicity to one day gain the top seat in the White House. Back in 2020, Buttigieg initially believes "this is the only chance you'll ever get to vote for a Maltese American, left-handed, Episcopalian, gay war veteran mayor and millennial." But, reveals his husband, Chasten, "There's no denying the man has the energy and the drive for the office." Buttigieg looks toward the future by "taking things on and growing, and time is on my side, I hope." For teens and adults, Mayor Pete presents an excellent observation about the challenges and inner workings of a modern-day presidential campaign and the impact on a promising political star.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Pete Buttigieg in Mayor Pete. How does he also demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why did Buttigieg feel like an outsider as a kid? What may have inspired him to gain the confidence and courage to define who he would become as an adult?
In what ways is it important for Buttigieg to embrace BIPOC communities? How effective is he in reaching out to people from diverse cultures?
Do you think voters will consider Buttigieg a viable presidential candidate for the future? Do you? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2021
- Cast : Pete Buttigieg , Chasten Buttigieg
- Director : Jesse Moss
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Amazon Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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