Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg set to make 2020 Democratic run

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Mayor Pete Buttigieg (BOO'-tuh-juhj) of South Bend, Indiana, is expected to make his Democratic run for president official during a rally later Sunday in the city where he launched his political career less than a decade ago.

The 37-year-old Rhodes Scholar and Afghanistan war veteran has surged from a little-known local politician to a high-profile contender in the 2020 race. He grew up in South Bend and is in his second term as mayor.

Back in January, he announced a presidential exploratory committee -- the first step toward an official candidacy.

Buttigieg is planning to return this week in early-voting Iowa and New Hampshire -- but now as a full-fledged candidate who's being taken more seriously.