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Che Ahn Testimony and California Governor 2026 Interview: From Prodigal to Pastor, Religious Freedom, and a Father’s Vision for California

Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)

From Drugs to Jesus: How Did Ché Ahn’s Testimony Begin? (01:36)

Jan: Pastor Ché, you’ve shared that you were a prodigal son. What happened in your early years?

Ché Ahn: I immigrated with my parents and went through serious cultural shock. I was one of the only kids of color in my elementary school. I experienced racism, got into fights, and felt rejected. Because I wanted acceptance, I gravitated toward rebellion early—stealing alcohol and cigarettes as young as fifth grade. Later that led to drugs. By 15, I tried every drug I could get my hands on. By 17, I was a heavy drug user and a drug pusher. I even dropped out of high school at 17—what I called the “unpardonable sin” as an immigrant. I was lost, and my parents didn’t know what to do.

Searching for God: Why Was Ché Ahn Studying Buddhism and Eastern Religion? (03:25)

Jan: What led you to begin looking for God when you were so deep into that lifestyle?

Ché Ahn: Even though I had what I thought I wanted—popularity, money, influence—I still wasn’t happy. I was searching for meaning. I went to a Buddhist meeting, got a mantra, and chanted for a year. But I got nothing out of it. After a year, I looked up and prayed: “God, I don’t even know if you exist, but if you do… reveal yourself to me.”

Encounter With Jesus Christ: What Happened When Ché Ahn Prayed for Truth? (04:15)

Jan: What happened right after that prayer?

Ché Ahn: Immediately, the presence of God came all over me and I began to weep. I felt love and peace for the first time. And I knew it was Jesus. That encounter led to repentance. Within two weeks, I made a decision to give up drugs, repent of my sins, and surrender my life to Jesus Christ. Soon after, God baptized me in the Holy Spirit with power, and I felt the call to be a pastor. I’ve been a pastor for 46 years.

Freedom From Addiction and Lust: How Did the Holy Spirit Change Ché Ahn’s Life? (09:05)

Jan: Many people struggle to get free—even after becoming Christians. What would you say to someone still battling addiction or depression?

Ché Ahn: Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot live this Christian life. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, and truth sets us free. If you walk in the Spirit, you won’t fulfill the desires of the flesh. For me, God delivered me from drug addiction quickly, but lust was a struggle for about a year. The Holy Spirit gave me grace and self-control. I also believe accountability is critical—you need people around you, and you need a church community.

COVID Lockdowns: Why Did Ché Ahn Sue Governor Gavin Newsom Over Church Closures? (12:16)

Jan: You became nationally known for standing up during the COVID lockdowns. What happened?

Ché Ahn: I believed the church is essential. During lockdowns, many things were declared essential—but church gatherings were restricted. I felt the state was violating First Amendment protections of religious freedom in California. We opened with precautions—online options for high-risk people, social distancing, masks if people wanted, and we did what we could to be wise. We then received a letter from the district attorney: they said I could be arrested and we could be fined massively. It felt like they wanted to bankrupt us and intimidate our congregation.

U.S. Supreme Court Victory: What Did the Che Ahn Supreme Court Case Change? (15:09)

Jan: What was the outcome of that lawsuit?

Ché Ahn: We sued on July 2, 2020. I lost in the lower courts and at the Ninth Circuit. But by God’s grace, the U.S. Supreme Court took the case. On February 5, 2021, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in our favor. It became a landmark decision protecting religious freedom and limiting government overreach in future lockdown scenarios. We give God the glory for that victory.

Marriage, Calling, and Accountability: How Did Ché Ahn Hear God About His Wife and Stay Grounded? (18:52)

Jan: You mentioned hearing God audibly regarding marrying your wife—and also having ongoing accountability. What does that look like?

Ché Ahn: God spoke to me in an audible voice once in my life—about marrying Sue. We also had to get family blessing, and God moved in that process. As for accountability, I believe everyone needs a pastor. I’ve always had someone I can talk to honestly. Today, Bill Johnson serves that role for me, and I can call him any time.

2:22 AM Calling: Why Is Ché Ahn Running for California Governor 2026? (29:00)

Jan: You said at 2:22 a.m., the presence of God came on you and you received a calling to run for governor. What happened?

Ché Ahn: I woke up at 2:22 a.m. with the presence of God on me, and I knew God was calling me to run. My first response was, “Please God, not this.” It wasn’t on my radar. But I know God’s voice. I believe He loves California and sees the suffering here—families hurting, policies harming people, and government mismanagement. I believe He called me to step into leadership with a father’s heart.

White House Invitation: What Was the “Sign” Ché Ahn Asked for From President Donald Trump? (31:47)

Jan: You asked for a sign. What was it?

Ché Ahn: I told God, “If you really want me to run, give me a sign—let President Trump invite me to the White House.” Five hours later, I received an email inviting me to the White House and the National Day of Prayer at the Rose Garden. That got my attention. From there, God guided me step-by-step—including getting my wife’s blessing.

Christian Voters and Politics: Why Should Christians Engage in Government? (34:42)

Jan: Many Christians avoid politics entirely. What’s your stance?

Ché Ahn: We are called to be salt and light. We’re stewarding our citizenship. Scripture calls us to pray for leaders so we can live quiet, peaceful lives in godliness. Government shapes policy—and policy shapes lives. If we disengage, we surrender influence. We should vote, pray, and engage with moral clarity. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”

Resurrection Miracle: Did Ché Ahn Witness a Dead Man Raised Back to Life? (39:54)

Jan: You mentioned you saw someone raised from the dead. What happened?

Ché Ahn: I was at a press conference after the LA fires, standing with leaders and the press. A pastor friend, Bishop Mendez, collapsed on me and had a heart attack. He died. People were screaming to call 911. I heard the Lord say, “Raise him from the dead.” I prayed Romans 8:11 over him, laid my hand on his chest, and commanded him to come back in Jesus’ name. He woke up and said, “I’m okay.” Later he testified he went to heaven, met Jesus, and was told it wasn’t his time. Paramedics confirmed he was still in critical condition even after he came back.

Policy Vision: What Is Ché Ahn’s Plan for Affordability, Homelessness, Crime, and Immigration Policy in California? (45:11)

Jan: If elected, who do you most want to help—and what will you focus on?

Ché Ahn: The number one issue is affordability. People are hurting because of mismanagement. Homelessness is up despite massive spending. Crime is driving businesses out. I want to lower gas and electricity costs, enforce laws that restore public safety, build more housing, and bring common-sense policies back. On immigration, I’ve proposed a plan that includes self-deportation with fast-tracked legal re-entry for those who haven’t committed crimes and have been contributing—so we can restore order and dignity while addressing reality.

Prayer for Families: What Hope Does Ché Ahn Offer Parents With Prodigal Children? (50:12)

Jan: What would you say to parents praying for children who are lost—or to someone searching for answers?

Ché Ahn: God gives promises for families. Scripture says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.” Seek first God’s kingdom. Surrender your life to Jesus. God meets people who sincerely seek truth. (Ché then leads viewers in a prayer of surrender and blessing.)