A welcoming crowd greeted South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Thursday night.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - A welcoming crowd greeted South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Thursday night as he spoke at the Young Democrats of America National Convention in Indianapolis.

“I come before you as a member of a new generation, ready to step into the highest levels of American leadership,” said Buttigieg.

While a visit back home, "Mayor Pete's" remarks were not locally focused. His national ambitions were on full display.

“I am going to call for real action on gun violence, climate change, and immigration reform and a better democracy to tie it all together because it’s not a democracy when dollars can outvote people,” said Buttigieg.

He even took a shot at Indiana’s former governor now in the west wing.

“I am thankful for you demonstrating that you can’t judge our state by the current vice president,” said Buttigieg.

Organizers of the convention said they were happy to welcome Buttigieg. They’re hoping the energy from their 4-day conference will translate to turnout at the polls.