"I've been coming to Iowa for almost two years," said Yang, who entered the presidential race to no fanfare but has since gained a loyal following.
"I love Iowa," he said. "Campaigning here for the last two years has been the journey of my life. I am really glad you are going to determine the future of our country."
The comment caused Yang to visibly get emotional and cover his face.
After taking a drink of water, he composed himself before someone yelled, "Thank you, Andrew."
"I know you know just what to do," Yang said, before turning to his standard speech.
The moment, just days before the Democratic caucuses in Iowa on Monday, reflects how far Yang has come as a candidate. Few knew his name when he announced his candidacy. And when the businessman told his family he was running for president, he told CNN, some members said, "President of what?"
But by championing a series of unique policy positions -- like a universal basic income, wide-reaching programs to address automation, and the legalization of marijuana -- Yang slowly created a devout following of liberal Democrats, libertarians and some disaffected Republicans. Many of those voters have told CNN they stayed with Yang because he was a happy campaigner, regularly dancing and crowd surfing at events.
Erick Sanchez, a Yang spokesman, tweeted that the emotion reflected that growth.
"Andrew's first official campaign visit in Iowa was in August 2018," Sanchez wrote. "No matter what happens, his time as a candidate for the Iowa caucus comes to an end on Monday. Let's make it worth it."
Even some of Yang's competitors were moved by the moment.
Lis Smith, a spokeswoman for the campaign of former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, tweeted, "That was a very powerful moment," in response to the video.
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