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Che Ahn: The Future California Needs?

Welcome to the Social Venture Podcast, hosted by Joe Mkhitaryan. Here, we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and journeys of fascinating people — from entrepreneurs and changemakers to creatives and thought leaders. My mission is to uncover insights that not only inspire but also equip you with practical lessons you can apply to your own life, career, and community.


Video Transcription:

Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)

Why does Ché Ahn say California needs “fathering,” not just politics? (Che Ahn for Governor) (0:06)

Ché says California’s core issue isn’t simply political leadership—it’s a deeper leadership vacuum that feels like an “orphan state.” He frames what he offers as pastoral “fathering”: steady leadership, patience, kindness, and an intentional lowering of division and vitriol. He emphasizes he wants to govern all Californians, not only conservative Republicans, and to lead with love and acceptance across party lines.

What inspired Ché Ahn to speak that way—before the interview even “officially” started? (1:06)

Ché says it’s not a rehearsed message—it’s simply who he is. He explains that what comes out of someone reflects what’s inside, and he expresses that he meant every word sincerely, even before realizing they were already recording.

What is the “Che Ahn Supreme Court case” against Gavin Newsom — why did he sue? (1:30)

Ché recounts suing Governor Gavin Newsom over COVID-era actions affecting church gatherings. He says he lost in lower courts but went “all the way” to the Supreme Court. He describes receiving threats of severe penalties and argues the state was violating First Amendment protections by restricting worship practices and gatherings. He also points to what he calls uneven treatment—certain businesses staying open while churches and many small businesses were restricted.

How does Ché Ahn define “Religious Freedom in California” and separation of church and state? (6:02)

Ché’s definition is simple: the state must not control the church, but the church is free to engage civic life. He argues “separation of church and state” doesn’t mean faith stays out of government; it means government doesn’t interfere with the free exercise of religion. He cites biblical metaphors—salt preserves, light shines—arguing the church should restrain evil and contribute visible good works in society.

How would a pastor govern a diverse California? (California Governor Election 2026) (6:58)

Ché says diversity doesn’t change the priority: “people are the priority.” He frames leadership as servant leadership—showing genuine care, being a voice for constituents, and elevating practical solutions for the marginalized and poor. He also argues that California’s “supermajority” leadership has failed people, pointing to poverty and affordability struggles as evidence.

What does Ché Ahn say to Californians who don’t share biblical beliefs? (8:21)

He says he can argue many policies through “common sense,” not only scripture. He gives abortion as an example: even while holding a biblical conviction, he emphasizes practical support for women in crisis—helping with prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal needs, plus strengthening adoption pathways so people have real alternatives.

What’s Ché Ahn’s stance on abortion after Proposition 1—and what can a governor do? (8:37)

Ché says Proposition 1 codified abortion in California’s constitution, making reversal difficult without a pro-life supermajority and governor. He emphasizes that, while the legal landscape may be fixed in the short term, he wants to promote a “culture of life” by redirecting resources toward women who want to carry to term and need financial and practical support.

How would Ché Ahn fund a “culture of life” plan? (10:26)

He says the details would be worked out in implementation, but the principle is reallocating money already being collected—moving funding away from abortion and toward supporting women in crisis pregnancies (including teenagers) so they can choose life with tangible help.

What would Ché Ahn do on Day One as governor? (gas prices, energy, affordability) (11:20)

Ché says a Day One priority is lowering gas prices by reopening oil production and wells he says were shut down. He also tries to position this alongside environmental stewardship (“creation care”), describing personal habits and supporting a “win-win” balance: care for the environment, but prioritize affordability and people’s daily needs.

How would he make housing affordable in California? (California economy jobs small business) (13:52)

Ché ties affordability to housing supply and infrastructure. He criticizes barriers he says block development (including CEQA-related constraints) and argues California is building far fewer homes than needed to drop prices. He proposes opening more land and building supporting infrastructure (roads, water, sewage, electricity) while inviting developers to build more affordable housing at scale.

What’s Ché Ahn’s crime and public safety plan—including Proposition 36? (16:12)

Ché argues California’s approach turned too many serious offenses into misdemeanors, fueling repeat crime and worsening homelessness cycles. He points to Proposition 36 (passed by voters) as a law he says must be enforced, including providing resources to local law enforcement and ending “stand down” realities he claims exist. He connects public safety directly to affordability and quality of life.

Where does Ché Ahn stand on the death penalty? (19:06)

He expresses tension: he recognizes the biblical framing of justice, but he also wants offenders—especially violent offenders—to have the opportunity for repentance and transformation. He says he would seek counsel and evaluate the issue carefully, while still emphasizing accountability and public safety.

Why does Ché Ahn connect youth suicide, identity issues, and “culture of life”? (22:40)

Ché argues California has a deep despair problem, pointing to youth suicide and mental health struggles. He connects that to confusion around identity and what he calls “indoctrination” related to gender ideology. His larger point: California needs leadership that restores hope, clarity, and support systems—including community and faith.

Why did he say the church is essential during crises? (24:27)

Ché argues people need community, encouragement, and spiritual support—especially when fear, anxiety, and depression rise. He frames the church as a stabilizing force that was restricted during COVID, which he says harmed people’s well-being and removed a critical source of comfort.

What is Ché Ahn’s California homelessness solution for a $24B crisis? (26:54)

Ché proposes a tiered approach:

  • 20%: People who are homeless due to economic hardship—he argues they need a safety net and temporary housing support to get back on their feet.
  • 80%: Those he describes as mentally ill and/or addicted—he argues for more psychiatric hospitals, expanded treatment capacity, and accountability-focused recovery pathways.
    He also advocates enforcement against drug dealers, which he frames as life-and-death public safety.

Why does Ché Ahn claim government doesn’t want homelessness to go away? (30:00)

He alleges a corruption incentive: bureaucracies and officials benefit financially and politically from ongoing crisis management. He references audits and missing traceability of funds (as discussed in the interview) and argues homelessness administration must be restructured so help is targeted, measurable, and not captured by career incentives.

Would he use enforcement zones, treatment, and prisons in a coordinated plan? (32:05)

Yes. Ché describes a “choice” model: voluntary treatment with accountability, and if refusal persists, removal from the streets with detox and structure (including prison-based treatment options). He also describes designated zones where services are centralized (showers, toilets, food), paired with law enforcement to keep dangerous areas (like freeway corridors) clear.

How does he convince voters he won’t become another politician who overpromises? (34:40)

Ché’s core claim is accountability to God—he says he fears God, won’t promise what he can’t deliver, and would repent if he breaks a commitment. He argues integrity is who someone is when no one’s watching, and he presents his pastoral track record as proof he can’t be bought.

Why did Ché Ahn decide to run for governor of California? (who is running for California governor 2026) (35:58)

He says the call came suddenly on April 28, waking at 2:22 a.m., not by a voice or dream but by what he describes as God’s presence. He says it was not on his radar and felt “impossible” politically—yet he believes the point is reliance on God to do what he cannot do on his own.

How would he work with a super liberal majority in Sacramento? (37:28)

Ché says he would “reason together,” appeal to constituents’ needs, and seek practical wins rather than treating lawmakers as enemies. He says he’d present policies (like energy affordability) as benefits to everyday Californians—including the poor—and pressure legislators through public accountability and common-sense arguments.

How would he counter lobby influence like teachers unions? (39:18)

Ché acknowledges the challenge, specifically naming the power of teachers unions. He says his approach is reform—appealing to outcomes and priorities: returning education to fundamentals (math, reading, civics), removing ideological focus, and justifying changes through performance (high spending with poor results).

What is Ché Ahn’s view on parental rights in California education and AB 1955? (41:29)

He calls AB 1955 “crazy,” saying it blocks parents from being informed when a child wants to change pronouns or pursue transition-related steps. He argues parents—not the state—are primarily responsible for raising and training children, and he frames this as government overreach into family life.

How would Ché Ahn stop the business exodus and support the California economy? (California small business support) (44:50)

Ché argues California is overregulated (citing extremely high regulatory volume compared to other states) and that this pushes small and large businesses out. His stated approach: reduce “superfluous” regulations, lower energy costs, expand affordable housing for workers, and pursue a more business-friendly climate—without abandoning environmental stewardship.

Why does he emphasize energy policy, nuclear, and AI infrastructure? (47:26)

Ché argues energy costs are a major driver of exodus and a barrier to future industries like AI data centers. He advocates opening a nuclear “hub” and expanding reliable energy sources to make California competitive again for major investment and manufacturing.

What does Ché Ahn say about LGBTQ+ Californians and faith-based counseling options? (55:56)

He says he loves and accepts people, while also holding a biblical conviction about sexuality. Policy-wise, he emphasizes voluntary options—specifically allowing faith-based counseling approaches for those who want them. He argues people should have access to help and alternatives, rather than the state restricting faith-based pathways.

What is Ché Ahn’s stance on churches that affirm drag/trans ideology? (57:47)

Ché calls them “false” churches and says they are not teaching sound doctrine. He argues the balance is truth and love—being compassionate and welcoming while still speaking clearly about biblical beliefs, and he frames that as the real way to help people find freedom and peace.

How would he address wildfires, water supply, and infrastructure? (1:00:38)

Ché proposes restoring logging/lumber as a way to reduce underbrush (fire fuel) while also producing building materials. He calls for controlled burns, fewer blanket regulations, and practical water investments—mentioning dams already approved but not funded, and infrastructure priorities like dredging the delta to increase water capacity.

Did Ché Ahn say Newsom and Karen Bass failed on fire preparedness? (1:03:21)

Yes. He argues it was a preventable leadership failure, pointing to budget decisions, preparedness, maintenance, and priorities. He frames it as a basic “protector” duty of leadership: stay, lead, resource first responders, and ensure infrastructure works before disaster hits.

If he weren’t running, who would Ché Ahn support in the California Governor Election 2026? (1:05:39)

He says he’s the only one who signed a “family first” statement (as discussed in the interview) and implies that shapes his support. He also says that if a Republican reaches the final runoff against a Democrat, he would support the Republican as the “lesser of two evils.”

Why is Che Ahn so pro-Israel—and how does that shape his leadership? (1:06:28)

Ché frames support for Israel as a biblical conviction and says his track record includes years of tours, fundraising events, and material support (including after October 7, 2023). He also connects Israel support to national blessing themes and argues leadership should be consistent, not symbolic.

If Ché Ahn had 15 seconds to speak to every Californian, what would he say? (1:09:45)

He would say God loves them, Jesus died and rose again, and turning to Christ brings transformation, abundant life, and eternal life—citing the promise of abundant life in John 10:10.