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Che Ahn for Governor: Faith, Freedom, and a Common-Sense Plan to Fix California

Key Takeaways (Jump to the Section You Need)

How big is Ché Ahn’s church network and how long has he served as a pastor? (0:39)

Host: We all know you are a well-known pastor and lead a global network of churches. How many churches do you have? How many years have you served?

Ché Ahn: We’re in 73 nations. We don’t count the number of churches anymore—last time we counted was 2008, and it was over 25,000 churches then, and it’s grown since. I’ve been serving the Lord 52 years and have been a pastor for 46 years. I love being a pastor, which is why it shocked me when God called me to run for governor.

Why is Pastor Ché Ahn running in the California governor election 2026? (1:41)

Host: Pastor Ché, you love ministry—so why run for governor of California now?

Ché Ahn: I wasn’t looking for another job. I believe pastoring is the best work in the world. But serving God also includes serving in the marketplace. When God called me to run, my first response was honestly, “Please God, don’t ask me to do this.” But I couldn’t shake it.

What “sign” confirmed Ché Ahn should run for governor of California? (2:11)

Host: What was your reaction when you got confirmation?

Ché Ahn: I asked God for a sign: if this was really from Him, I asked for an invitation to the White House. Five hours later, I received an email inviting me to the National Day of Prayer at the White House. I ended up there within days, and it got my attention.

How can a conservative Christian candidate win in California? (2:58)

Host: California is a huge challenge. Why do you believe you can tackle California’s problems?

Ché Ahn: I’m not confident in myself—I’m confident in God. I’ve told God the odds are small: California is massive, heavily Democratic, and I’m a conservative Korean pastor. But I sensed God say, “With Me all things are possible.” I also believe it’s conditional—if we can mobilize the church, there’s a pathway.

What is Ché Ahn’s plan for California crime and public safety? (6:02)

Host: What would you do first on crime and public safety?

Ché Ahn: Many problems are common sense. For example, Proposition 36—most Californians supported it, but it has to be enforced. The issue is budget and leadership. We spend billions on homelessness but not enough on law and order. As governor, I can prioritize enforcement and fund what communities need to make streets safer.

How will Ché Ahn lower the cost of living in California? (8:23)

Host: Affordability is the top issue. What would you do?

Ché Ahn: California has the fourth largest economy and yet families can’t afford to live here. I want to go through the budget line by line—audit waste—and return money back to the people through lowering taxes. We need stewardship and fiscal responsibility so working families can breathe again.

What is Ché Ahn’s energy plan to lower California gas prices? (9:33)

Host: What about gas and energy prices?

Ché Ahn: We have enough resources to produce what we need, yet we import a major portion from overseas. We’ve become hostile to the petroleum industry, and refineries are leaving. That drives prices up. I want to reduce harmful regulations, keep industry here, and bring balance—clean air and clean water matter, but people matter too. High fuel costs ripple into food costs and everything else.

What is Ché Ahn’s California homelessness solution 2026? (13:07)

Host: Homelessness often includes addiction and mental illness. What’s your comprehensive plan?

Ché Ahn: It’s difficult, and it requires a layered approach. Some are simply impoverished and need temporary housing and a safety net. But many are battling addiction and mental illness. I want treatment that addresses root issues—spiritual and practical—plus job skills and work training. We also need to build dramatically more housing. And for those breaking the law and refusing to change, we must enforce the law and apply prison reform that includes treatment and skills training.

How will Ché Ahn increase housing supply and lower home prices in California? (17:21)

Host: Housing is crushing middle-income families and young adults. What’s your realistic plan?

Ché Ahn: I want a program using a bond structure so we’re not just pulling from the state budget. I also want special opportunities for first-time home buyers, with realistic price targets and a system that keeps replenishing itself—like creating a long-term, sustainable pipeline of affordable homes.

What is Ché Ahn’s position on parental rights in California education and gender ideology in schools? (19:10)

Host: Families are leaving because of education issues and parental rights concerns—especially around gender. How would you address this?

Ché Ahn: California used to lead in education. Now we’re near the bottom in national rankings. I want real educational results, not fake metrics. I believe the teachers union has too much control, and parents need authority restored. I also oppose indoctrination—schools should focus on reading, writing, math, and civic formation. On gender ideology: I want to reverse policies that hide information from parents and reestablish common sense boundaries, including protecting girls’ sports.

Biblical justice vs. social justice: what does Ché Ahn believe and why does it matter for California? (24:20)

Host: Young adults care about justice, identity, and belonging. What message would you carry to this generation?

Ché Ahn: There’s a difference between biblical justice and social justice. Biblical justice is based on truth and equal standards—no favoritism for rich or poor, any ethnicity, or any group. Social justice often elevates outcomes based on identity categories instead of merit and truth. For education and society to thrive, we need truth-based justice, compassion, and law and order.

What is Ché Ahn’s California immigration policy 2026? (28:58)

Host: What’s your immigration approach?

Ché Ahn: I want to uphold the law. If someone is here illegally, I support self-deportation—but compassion matters. If someone has been working, hasn’t committed crimes, and isn’t dependent on government support, I want a faster, clearer pathway for them to return legally. I believe churches can partner to help immigrants navigate paperwork, costs, and the process so they can live the American dream lawfully. I’m an immigrant myself, and I understand the journey.

How does Ché Ahn’s business background shape his plan to manage California’s budget? (33:38)

Host: Some people ask what qualifies you to lead the largest economy. How do you answer that?

Ché Ahn: I’m a pastor, but I’m also a businessman. I’ve applied stewardship principles in my own life and finances, and I want to bring that same discipline to Sacramento. California’s budget should be managed responsibly—audited, prioritized, and aligned with what actually helps people flourish.

How will Ché Ahn protect the Asian and Jewish communities and stop antisemitism in California? (35:29)

Host: With rising antisemitism and attacks on Asians and Jews, what would you do proactively as governor?

Ché Ahn: As governor, I can enforce existing anti-discrimination laws, including in the UC system. There should be consequences for allowing antisemitism to flourish—fines and budget pressure if needed. But I also believe this is spiritual, and I want to call for a statewide day of prayer, repentance, and fasting to change the spiritual climate and confront the evil behind it.

Why does Ché Ahn say faith belongs in politics and government? (44:46)

Host: California has many religions. Some believe faith should stay away from politics. What do you say?

Ché Ahn: Freedom of religion is foundational to America. The state should not interfere with the free exercise of faith. I’m not arguing only for Christianity—I’m defending religious liberty broadly. We must balance freedoms with public order, but faith and freedom are part of our constitutional DNA. That’s why I’m campaigning on faith, family, and freedom—especially religious freedom in California.

How will Ché Ahn make “tough decisions” as governor when not everyone agrees? (47:33)

Host: When no option makes everyone happy, how do you decide what’s right?

Ché Ahn: I believe leadership must be grounded in righteousness, which produces peace and leads to joy—because people can work, afford life, and feel safe. Practically, I want to make California more small-business friendly, reduce energy costs, and remove regulations that are crushing owners and driving up rent and living expenses. Bad policies are creating bad fruit, and we need to change direction.

What proves Ché Ahn has the courage to lead—his Supreme Court church case against Newsom? (50:40)

Host: What makes you different from other candidates?

Ché Ahn: Courage to execute. In 2020, I sued Governor Newsom when he shut down churches during COVID. I took it all the way to the Supreme Court and won. It could have cost me jail time if I lost, but I wasn’t afraid to confront what I believed was unconstitutional. California needs leaders who will do what’s right, even under pressure.

How can supporters volunteer, donate, and follow Che Ahn for Governor? (51:50)

Host: How can people support you?

Ché Ahn: Pray, volunteer, and give if you’re a U.S. citizen. Visit che4ca.com to learn how to get involved, volunteer, and support the campaign.

Watch this interview here.