Buttigieg jokingly tells Democrats to nominate ‘new-generation, young, good-looking mayor’ in 2020

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D) on Friday shared with voters the characteristics they should look for in a 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.

Buttigieg, a likely 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, was asked by Mother Jones on Friday how Democrats can ensure that they don’t “cripple each other” in the next election cycle and ensure President Trump’s reelection.{mosads}

“Right. What you want to do is you want to nominate a kind of forward-thinking, inclusive, new-generation, young, good-looking mayor,” Buttigieg quipped, prompting the audience to erupt in laughter. 

.@clarajeffery: How can Democratic candidates ensure they don’t cripple each other and clear the path for a Trump reelection?@PeteButtigieg: “Right. What you want to do is nominate a really forward-thinking, inclusive, new-generation, young, good-looking mayor.” pic.twitter.com/AwD1IlUZHv

— Mother Jones (@MotherJones) March 30, 2019

Buttigieg, a likely dark horse candidate, is set to enter a crowded Democratic field if he officially launches a White House bid. The South Bend mayor said earlier this month that signs are “pointing in the right direction” for him to officially enter.

Buttigieg surged ahead in a national poll of declared and potential 2020 Democrats this week, trailing only former Vice President Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Democratic race in Iowa.

The relatively unknown mayor from Indiana has emerged as a serious contender in recent weeks. If elected, he would be the youngest and first openly gay president in U.S. history.

He has also been the star of a few viral moments, including making headlines when he was asked by a Norwegian outlet to speak their language — one of seven the mayor can speak.