Che Ahn in Jerusalem: Running for California Governor with Pastor’s Heart, Strong Commitment to Israel
By Chris Mitchell | CBN | 01-13-2026
JERUSALEM, Israel – Last year, Pasadena Pastor Che Ahn, who founded Harvest Rock Church, one of the largest congregations in Southern California, felt the Lord was prompting him to run for governor in America’s most populous state.
He was reluctant and told the Lord he didn’t want to do it, but out of obedience to His leading, he filed the papers to run.
Just before his 70th birthday this month, the Korean-born pastor joined us in CBN News’ Jerusalem studio to talk not only about his quest in the political arena, but also his strong stand for Israel and against the rampant global antisemitism. As you can tell from our interview, he still retains his pastor’s heart, and he told us that only a God-ordained spiritual awakening can transform California and the world.
Video Transcript:
Why Did Ché Ahn Decide to Run for Governor of California?
Chris Mitchell: Pastor Ché, you’re running for governor of California. Tell us why.
Ché Ahn: I know it sounds crazy. When God called me to run on April 28th at 2:22 in the morning, that number immediately stood out to me because of Isaiah 22:22—God will open doors that no man can close. My initial response was, “Please God, not this. I’ll do anything else.” This was not on my radar at all. I’ve been a pastor for 46 years. I love my work and my ministry. I oversee a global network of churches in 73 nations, and I truly believed I was already fulfilling my part of the Great Commission.
But I began to sense in my spirit that God wants to transform California. This state has shifted dramatically toward an extreme progressive, almost Marxist ideology, yet California is also the birthplace of powerful spiritual movements—the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, Billy Graham’s breakthrough in 1949, and the Jesus People Movement in 1967. I believe God is calling me to contend for revival and transformation again. Running for governor is a platform He wants to use as a catalyst. I don’t see the full picture, but I’m obeying God, trusting that He will use this to bring both transformation to California and the salvation of souls.
What’s surprised me is that I’m now preaching to more unbelievers than I have in years. The people coming to rallies are often not Christians, so I share my testimony—how Jesus changed my life, how He died for our sins and rose again. Even though my father was a pastor, I didn’t know the Lord until I was 17. Through this campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with countless thousands, and potentially millions.
If You’re Not a Career Politician, What Is Your Strategy?
Chris Mitchell: You’re not a career politician. What’s your strategy?
Ché Ahn: The Lord began to show me that this campaign is not just about turning out votes. We have incredible volunteers, and leaders like Dr. Ed Silvoso—author of Ekklesia—have spoken into this. He told me plainly: if we don’t deal with the root issues, everything will just revert back again. This is about changing the spiritual climate of California, not just winning an election.
My vision is to establish a grassroots movement of prayer and unity—what I call “ekklesias,” groups of two or three believers committed to seeing California transformed. I know it sounds bold, but I believe we can raise up a million of these small prayer gatherings across the state and beyond. Along with that, we want to build a network of prayer hubs praying consistently for California. I truly believe real transformation begins with the spiritual climate, and that’s where lasting change will come from.
What Is Your Vision for California’s Relationship With Israel?
Chris Mitchell: You’re here in Jerusalem. What’s your vision for California’s relationship with Israel?
Ché Ahn: I intend to be the most pro-Israel governor in California’s history. This isn’t political positioning—it’s who I’ve been for decades. Our church, Harvest Rock Church, has hosted Nights to Honor Israel for over 21 years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to bless the nation. Through Harvest International Ministry, I’ve led tours to Israel around a dozen times. We were just here again last year. We love Israel, we pray for Israel, and we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
As governor, I will confront antisemitism in California head-on. What we’ve seen on university campuses like UCLA and USC—especially after October 7th—is deeply troubling. Professors themselves have led pro-Palestinian and antisemitic marches. That is unacceptable. The governor’s role is to uphold law and justice, and we already have laws on the books, including Title VI against discrimination. I won’t need new legislation—I will enforce existing law. Schools that allow antisemitic activity and intimidation will be held accountable. This must be addressed at the governmental level.
Chris Mitchell: Pastor Ché, thank you for joining us. Many people will be praying for you.
Ché Ahn: Amen. Thank you