Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan on Tuesday endorsed former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination for president.

Ryan and Buttigieg share some commonalities: Both are military veterans. And Ryan is the youngest county executive in the state, while Buttigieg, 39, is running to be the first president elected from the millennial generation.

"I am proud to endorse Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be our next President. Pete offers exactly what our country needs right now -- a bold, progressive vision for our future grounded in moral leadership and real experience, from leading a diverse industrial Midwest city to leading troops in combat," Ryan said in a statement.

Ryan's endorsement comes after Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone endorsed Michael Bloomberg, while Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is supporting Sen. Elizabeth Warren's bid.

"At a time of great discord and division, I feel compelled to endorse Pete because I know he is the right leader to unify and heal our country again. I'm confident he will guide the return of our nation to smart, effective, and compassionate leadership," Ryan said. "Pete and I share a strong commitment to 'servant leadership' and I am proud to endorse and support him in what is the most critical presidential election of my lifetime."