Democratic presidential candidate Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegHarris pushes for support for cities in coronavirus relief package Exclusive: How Obama went to bat for Warren The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden vs. Trump, part II MORE on Sunday said he isn't going to take "lectures on family values" from conservative media personality Rush Limbaugh, who recently made comments about the former South Bend, Ind., mayor's sexuality.
"I love my husband. I’m faithful to my husband. Onstage we usually just go for a hug," Buttigieg said on CNN's "State of the Union."
Buttigieg's response came after several of his Democratic primary opponents joined the widespread criticism of Limbaugh's comments questioning whether voters would elect a gay candidate.
On his syndicated radio program, Limbaugh called Buttigieg "a gay guy, 37 years old, loves kissing his husband on debate stages."
“I love my husband. I’m faithful to my husband,” @petebuttigieg responds to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s recent comments. “I’m not going to take lectures on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh.” #CNNSOTUhttps://t.co/bOje6TVl1s pic.twitter.com/icNbNMetlw
— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) February 16, 2020
Buttigieg is the first openly gay candidate to mount a major presidential campaign. If elected, he would become the first openly gay president.
He is leading the field in delegates after the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.