When it comes to standing out in the crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who has seen their popularity climb faster than South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

But his biggest competition for rising star might be his husband and potential First Gentleman of the United States: Chasten Buttigieg.

From his advocacy to his popularity on social media, Chasten Buttigieg's presence on the campaign trail has been called a boon to Mayor Pete's rising poll numbers and donation dollars.

Here's what you need to know about Chasten Buttigieg.

Marlon Bundo tops another list:John Oliver's book portraying Mike Pence's pet bunny as gay makes list of 'most challenged'

Real news, brought to you by real Hoosiers.Support our local journalists.

How do you pronounce Chasten Buttigieg’s name?

His last name is tricky, but if you're just reading it and not hearing it, his first name may throw a few people off as well. Thankfully, his Twitter handle (@Chas10Buttigieg) also serves as a pronunciation guide.

His first name is pronounced "Chas-Ten," and his last name is pronounced "Boot-Edge-Edge."

Before marrying his husband, he was Chasten Glezman.

Where is he from?

Chasten Buttigieg wasn't born in Indiana, but his roots are 100% Midwest. He was born and raised in Traverse City, Mich.

What does he do?

Chasten Buttigieg has been a teacher at Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes in Mishawaka since 2017. He taught humanities and drama at the St. Joseph County school before taking leave to join his husband on the campaign trail.

He is also a longtime improv comedian.

What’s his professional and educational background?

According to his Montessori Academy bio, Chasten Buttigieg studied in Germany as an exchange student before attending the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

After earning his bachelor's in theater and global studies in 2011, he moved to Milwaukee, Wis. where he worked as a teaching artist for First Stage, children’s theater and academy.

"Mr. Glezman worked for three years bringing drama to thousands of students throughout the greater Milwaukee region and inspiring students with autism and learning differences to pursue drama," his bio reads.



Chasten Buttigieg then moved to Chicago to pursue a Master of Education in curriculum studies from DePaul University while working as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. He met Pete Buttigieg through a dating app in 2015 while in graduate school, and eventually moved to South Bend.

Chasten Buttigeig joined the Montessori Academy team as the junior high humanities teacher after getting his master's degree.

When and where did he marry Pete Buttigieg?

In June 2018, Chasten and Pete Buttigieg got married at the Cathedral of Saint James Episcopal Church in South Bend.

The 45-minute ceremony before 200 guests included readings from scripture, poets and from the majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage.

After the couple said "I do," they made their way into downtown South Bend while being driven in the back of a cherry red 1961 Studebaker Lark VIII. They stopped at a South Bend Gay Pride Week block party, greeted the crowd and took photos.

The Buttigieg reception was held at the arts and coworking space LangLab. That's where Buttigeg and Glezman shared their first dance as the band David Wax Museum played a cover of Keith Whitley's “When You Say Nothing At All.”

Much of the food was local, including tacos, sliders and beer. For entertainment, the reception allowed guests to play at two Skee-Ball machines or a crane game filled with toy bears, nods to two of the couple’s favorite games.

I hear he’s big on Twitter

Chasten Buttigieg has been a social media star since the couple stepped into the national spotlight, and his feed offers a little bit of everything: Inspiration, advocacy, humor and adorable pics of the couple's two dogs (who also have social media pages of their own).

Here are a few recent tweets from Chasten Buttigieg.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.