Gwyneth Paltrow, Bradley Whitford to host Pete Buttigieg fundraiser in Los Angeles

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2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg: What to know

What to know about Pete Buttigieg and how, despite only two terms as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, he plans to capture the democratic presidential nomination.

Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Ind., is making a big push for Los Angeles campaign cash next month, as celebrities and other Hollywood figures line up to support his unexpected rise in the 2020 presidential race.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Bradley Whitford are among the co-hosts for an event on May 9, as Buttigieg makes another fundraising swing through L.A., having courted donors at meet and greets and in private meetings with key bundlers in earlier visits.

According to an invite, Paltrow and her husband, writer-producer Brad Falchuk, and Whitford and actress Amy Landecker are co-hosts for the evening reception, one of a number of events Buttigieg is holding that day. Tickets start at $250 per person.

Paltrow hosted President Barack Obama for a fundraiser at her home in 2014.

According to sources, there was some friction among Hollywood bundlers in the effort to land one of the events for Buttigieg on that date, a reflection of how his star has risen in the 2020 field. Some fundraisers agreed to hold events at a later date.

In addition to the Paltrow/Whitford event, Buttigieg will also will headline another fundraiser earlier in the evening hosted by Claire and Brian Goldsmith, with tickets priced at $250 per person for those under 37 (Buttigieg’s age), according to the invite. Those who write checks for $2,800 or raise that amount can get a picture with the candidate, and those who contribute $1,000 will receive a signed book. Claire Goldsmith is an online education administrator; Brian Goldsmith is an investor who has co-hosted a podcast with Katie Couric.

A source also said Buttigieg will also hold a reception at the Abbey, the landmark West Hollywood nightspot.

Earlier in the day, Buttigieg will be raising money at another event, a lunch in Brentwood, with co-chairs including Jill Goldman, Vicki Kennedy, Lauren Taschen and Wendy Riva.

Buttigieg will return to L.A. in June, for a June 19 event at the home of Ryan Murphy, and David Miller with co-hosts including Simon Halls and Matt Bomer, as well as Billy Eichner. Other events are also expected to be added to his schedule.