x
Breaking News
More () »

Buttigieg sits down with Ellen, stops short of announcing candidacy

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg sat down with Ellen DeGeneres for an interview, but held off on formally announcing a run for the Democratic nomination for president.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg with Ellen DeGeneres (Photo: Michael Rozman/Warner Brothers)

LOS ANGELES (WTHR) - South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg sat down with Ellen DeGeneres for an interview, but held off on formally announcing a run for the Democratic nomination for president.

Buttigieg recorded the interview for Friday's episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and despite the host's prodding, the mayor stuck to his plan of making the announcement in his hometown on Sunday.

"An announcement is something you only get to do once, and I want to make sure that we do it right," he said. "We got a big event planned on Sunday and can’t wait to have as many friends and supporters as we can come and we’re looking to make some news."

He also responded to comments from Vice President Mike Pence, who said the mayor has criticized him and his faith.

"I don't have problem with religion, I'm religious too. I have a problem with religion being used as a justification to harm people, especially the LGBTQ community," Buttigieg said.

"Ellen" airs weekdays at 3 p.m. on Channel 13. Eyewitness News political reporter Kevin Rader will be covering Buttigieg's announcement on Sunday.

Before You Leave, Check This Out