Craig Huey: Why did you refuse to accept California shutting down churches during COVID?

When COVID hit in March 2020, none of us knew what we were dealing with at first. But what I began to notice quickly was how arbitrary and discriminatory the shutdowns were. Churches were closed, yet abortion clinics were open. Marijuana dispensaries were open. Liquor stores were open. Even a strip club in San Diego was open—while pastors were told the gospel and fellowship were “non-essential.”

That’s when I said, “Time out.” If everything had been shut down equally, that would have been one thing—but this was selective enforcement. Our First Amendment protects freedom of worship, and I believed we could mitigate risk while still gathering responsibly.

Craig Huey: What safety steps did your church take when you reopened?

We did what we knew to do with the wisdom we had at the time. We asked high-risk people to stay home and watch online. We practiced social distancing, we wore masks, and we even offered temperature checks for anyone who wanted it. We were careful because we knew the media was watching—and we cared about people’s health.

By God’s grace, we did not have a COVID outbreak connected to our gatherings. We weren’t reckless—we were responsible and refused to treat the church as “less than” what the Constitution protects.

Craig Huey: When you heard you might be arrested, what happened next?

After we opened for a period of time, I got word that they were going to arrest me for violating the restrictions. I called my attorney, Matt Staver with Liberty Counsel, to ask if he would represent me if I were arrested. He not only agreed—he offered to do it pro bono because he said we were fighting for our First Amendment rights.

Then he said something that wasn’t even on my radar: “Why don’t you pray about suing Governor Newsom?” His reasoning was simple—if litigation was underway, it would delay any attempt to arrest me until the case played out.

Craig Huey: What made you decide to sue Governor Newsom?

I didn’t take that lightly. I told Matt, “Governor Newsom is the most powerful governor in America. You don’t just sue him—I need to hear from Jesus.” So I prayed, and God spoke to me through Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

It jumped off the page, and I sensed the Lord say clearly: “I am with you. Sue Governor Newsom.” So we filed the lawsuit on July 2. I lost in the lower courts, and I even received a letter saying they planned to arrest me—one year in jail and a $4.5 million fine. But God had the final word.

Shelly Huey: How did your case end up at the U.S. Supreme Court—and what was the outcome?

You don’t “go” to the Supreme Court—the Supreme Court chooses you. And they chose our case. They also chose the case of Art Hodges in San Diego. The court understood this wasn’t just about two individuals—it involved church networks representing hundreds of churches.

In my case, I represented around 150 churches. Art represented about 400. The court took it seriously, and by February 5, we received word that we had won 6–3. We give God all the glory. The issue was discrimination—opening some things and closing others. That kind of arbitrary enforcement is unconstitutional and wrong.

Craig Huey: In private, were you ever afraid?

No, not at all. What hurt the most wasn’t fear—it was division. Not everyone on my staff agreed. I had a pastor resign. People left the church. Even one of our biggest givers left without coming to me personally after years of membership.

That was painful. But I learned early on from Galatians 1:10: if you’re trying to please people, you’re not a true servant of Christ. I love people, but I can’t obey man at the expense of obeying God.

Craig Huey: What was it like being attacked by the media?

The media came after me hard. NBC did a local story calling me a selfish pastor “killing his sheep” by opening up. They cut out everything I said about mitigation. They cut out my heart for mental and emotional health. They cut out the gospel.

I learned a lesson: I don’t want taped interviews with hostile media that can edit and distort. If I do interviews, I want them live—so what I say can’t be manipulated.

Shelly Huey: Where are we right now—and what did you just announce?

We’re in Pasadena, California, and I announced that I’m running for governor. Honestly, it’s still a shock to me. This was not on my radar. I love my job. I’ve had the privilege of serving the Lord for more than 50 years, being married 46 years, raising four children, and enjoying 10 grandchildren.

But I also know this: my life is not my own. When God calls, we serve.

Craig Huey: Who are you—and why step into politics now?

At the core, I’m a son of the Most High God. I want to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and do His will. But this calling to run came out of left field.

What pushed me was what I’m seeing in California. We are one of the wealthiest economies in the world—yet we have around 30% of our population living in poverty. Bad policies are crushing the middle class. Businesses are leaving. Refineries are shutting down. Gas prices, electricity prices, and taxes are among the highest.

And this isn’t abstract—I’ve watched people I love get hit. I’ve seen businesses collapse because of draconian restrictions. I’ve seen families suffer. It’s time for different leadership.

Craig Huey: Did the LA fires impact your decision?

Yes, it hit close to home. We lived in Altadena, and many families were impacted. We had families in our church lose their homes. And it exposed serious mismanagement—fire trucks unrepaired, reservoirs not ready, preventable failures that cost people everything.

When leadership fails at the basics—public safety, infrastructure, stewardship—it’s not just political. It’s personal.

Craig Huey: What do you say to Democrats, independents, and Republicans who feel politically “homeless”?

First, I’m not a politician. I’m a pastor. I’ve never been involved in politics beyond voting and encouraging our church members to register and vote.

But I believe California needs God’s blessing. One of the first things I want to do as governor is call for a day of prayer, fasting, and repentance, rooted in 2 Chronicles 7:14. I want to bring biblical values—truth, mercy, righteousness, stewardship—back into public life, not as a gimmick, but because they build healthy families and prosperous communities.

Craig Huey: What makes you different from other candidates?

I’m going to speak the truth—and I’m going to do it with compassion. I’m not here to play political games. I’m not going to lie to people to win votes. Integrity matters, and Scripture is clear about how God views lying.

There are issues where I won’t compromise—like protecting fairness in women’s sports. But I want to approach people with compassion, including those struggling with real pain and confusion. When you try to help someone but harm another, that’s still injustice. True justice brings health to the whole community.

Craig Huey: What would you say to people who insist pastors shouldn’t run for office?

We were created to rule with God. Genesis 1:28 isn’t just about having families—it’s also about stewardship and overcoming evil. Throughout Scripture, God raises leaders who serve in government: Joseph, Daniel, Moses. And Revelation describes believers as “kings and priests.”

I don’t believe in a theocracy—Jesus will establish His kingdom fully when He returns. But until then, Christians are called to be salt and light, to engage, and to confront injustice.

If anything, I want to encourage more pastors to run because pastors are already vetted in character. They’re less likely to be seduced by corruption. And California desperately needs leaders with courage, clarity, and compassion.

Craig Huey: How can people pray for you right now?

Pray for wisdom. Pray for protection—especially from the media and the political machine—because I’m a conservative, pro-life, pro-family candidate. Pray that I can communicate compassion and truth clearly, so people understand this isn’t about slogans. It’s about restoring sanity, integrity, and stewardship.

At the end of the day, it’s Zechariah 4:6: not by might, not by power, but by God’s Spirit. California doesn’t just need a new administration—we need revival and reformation.

Shelly Huey: Any final encouragement as the attacks come?

The battle belongs to the Lord. There will be opposition—from the left, the media, and even establishment voices. But God is not mocked. I believe the attacks will backfire, and God will be glorified.

Craig Huey: What was the “tsunami” dream you mentioned—and how does it connect to this campaign?

The day before God called me to run—on April 27—I had a terrifying dream: a tsunami wave coming from the west coast, as high as tall buildings, so massive I couldn’t see the end of it. What I sensed was that this was global, but it would hit California first.

That’s what this campaign is about. Something big needs to shift in California—and I believe God is calling us into that moment.