Des Moines, Iowa (CNN) Comedian Dave Chappelle announced his endorsement of presidential candidate Andrew Yang, becoming the latest celebrity to throw his support behind the New York entrepreneur running for the Democratic nomination.

"I'm Yang Gang!" said Chappelle in a release sent out by the Yang campaign Tuesday afternoon, just hours ahead of the seventh Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines. The debate is the first that Yang has not qualified for.

Yang expressed excitement for Chappelle's endorsement and explained that they share similar views.

"Dave is one of the most important voices in our country today and I'm thrilled he has thrown his support behind this campaign," Yang said in a statement. "He and I share similar concerns about the future and hopes for what it could be. We are also parents who see the world that we are leaving to our kids and believe they deserve better."

Yang also tweeted out a picture of himself and Chappelle and thanked the comedian for his support.

Read More