What Is the Biblical Purpose of Government—and How Has California Abandoned It?
Richard Harris: Pastor Ché, before we get into your candidacy, let’s talk about the big picture. According to Scripture, what is the true purpose of government—and how has California strayed from it?
Ché Ahn: Scripture is very clear, especially in Romans 13, that government is ordained by God to restrain evil and reward good. That’s its primary purpose—not social engineering, not ideological indoctrination, and not wealth redistribution. When government operates outside that God-given mandate, it doesn’t just become ineffective—it becomes destructive. California is a prime example of what happens when government is used for purposes it was never designed for. Instead of protecting the vulnerable—especially children—it has legalized injustice, normalized moral confusion, and punished righteousness. When government starts calling evil good and good evil, as Isaiah 5:20 warns, the result is chaos, suffering, and broken families. That’s exactly where California is today.
Why Did Ché Ahn Decide to Run for Governor of California?
Richard Harris: Pastor Ché, running for governor is no small undertaking—especially in a state like California. What led you to make such a bold decision?
Ché Ahn: I had a powerful encounter with the Lord. I woke up at 2:22 in the morning, and immediately that number stood out to me because of Isaiah 22:22, which speaks about God opening doors no man can shut and shutting doors no man can open. I didn’t have a dream, and I didn’t hear an audible voice—but the presence of God came upon me, and I knew He was asking me to lay everything down and run for governor. My first response was honestly, “Lord, please—anything but this.” I love being a pastor. I lead a global network of churches in 73 nations and serve as chancellor of a university with curriculum in seven languages. This wasn’t on my radar at all. But after wrestling with the Lord for about two hours, I asked for confirmation. I told God that if I received a personal invitation from President Donald Trump to the White House—something that had never happened to me—I would know this calling was real. That same morning, after our 5:30am prayer meeting, I came home to an email from the White House inviting me to attend the National Day of Prayer. A few days later, I was standing in the Rose Garden as President Trump signed an executive order establishing a religious commission. That was the moment I knew God was confirming the call.
Why Does Ché Ahn Believe California Needs a Pastor, Not a Politician?
Richard Harris: You’ve said California doesn’t just need better policies—it needs a shepherd. What do you mean by that?
Ché Ahn: I’ve been a pastor for 46 years, and I truly believe California doesn’t just need another career politician—it needs a father, a shepherd, someone who genuinely loves the people and understands spiritual authority. California is in the condition it’s in because we’ve had leaders with elite degrees but no moral compass. You can’t legislate your way out of spiritual decay. What we need is revival and reformation, and that requires God’s supernatural intervention. Scripture tells us in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Turning California around will take a miracle—actually, a mega-miracle—and that’s exactly why I believe God called me to step into this moment.
How Did the COVID Church Shutdowns Reveal California’s True Priorities?
Richard Harris: During COVID, you became nationally known for standing up to Governor Newsom’s church shutdowns. What did that season reveal to you?
Ché Ahn: COVID exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual bankruptcy of California leadership. Churches were labeled “non-essential,” while strip clubs, marijuana shops, and abortion clinics were allowed to stay open. That was never about public health—it was about control. We sued the state alongside nearly 150 churches, and by God’s grace, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in our favor in Harvest Rock Church v. Newsom. That decision restored First Amendment protections for churches nationwide and ensured that no governor or president should ever be able to shut down the church again during a pandemic. The irony is that while churches were shut down, Governor Newsom was dining indoors at the French Laundry. That season made it crystal clear: California leadership operates with one set of rules for the elite and another for everyone else.
Why Has California Become a Sanctuary State for Radical Ideology?
Richard Harris: You’ve described California as a sanctuary state—not just for illegal immigration, but for abortion and transgender ideology. Can you explain?
Ché Ahn: California has become a sanctuary state for injustice. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, the state codified abortion into its constitution, allowing abortion up to the last day of the ninth month. It now pays for abortions, travel, and lodging for people coming from other states. That’s not compassion—that’s moral insanity. The same applies to radical gender ideology. Parental rights have been stripped away, children are being indoctrinated, and irreversible medical decisions are being pushed without parental consent. This is Isaiah 5:20 in real time—calling evil good and good evil. Our tax dollars are funding policies that harm children and destroy families.
Why Is Poverty So High in One of the World’s Wealthiest Economies?
Richard Harris: California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, yet has the highest poverty rate when adjusted for cost of living. How do you explain that?
Ché Ahn: It’s a tragic contradiction. California has Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and one of the richest agricultural regions in the world—yet 30% of Californians live in poverty. The reason is over-taxation, over-regulation, and ideological governance. We pay the highest gas prices, electricity costs, and some of the highest state taxes in the nation. Environmental extremism has made it nearly impossible to build housing, driving costs through the roof. When supply is artificially restricted, families suffer. This isn’t accidental—it’s the predictable outcome of bad policy driven by ideology instead of wisdom.
What Is Driving California’s Homelessness and Crime Crisis?
Richard Harris: California spends billions on homelessness, yet the problem keeps getting worse. Why?
Ché Ahn: Because the system is incentivized to fail. Billions are spent, yet homelessness has increased dramatically. Many of the homeless are battling addiction, not a lack of housing. You can’t solve a spiritual and behavioral problem with bureaucracy alone. The government has created a massive industry around homelessness—complete with executives making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year—who lose their jobs if the problem is actually solved. Add policies like Proposition 47, which reduced serious crimes to misdemeanors, and the result is soaring crime and lawlessness. We don’t need more government programs—we need transformation, accountability, and freedom for faith-based organizations to actually help people.
How Would Ché Ahn Reform Education in California?
Richard Harris: California ranks near the bottom in reading and math proficiency despite spending more per student than any other state. What would you change?
Ché Ahn: California spends about $26,000 per student per year, yet outcomes are disastrous. The problem isn’t funding—it’s ideology. Teachers unions and radical agendas like gender ideology, DEI, and critical race theory have hijacked education. When I’m governor, I will fight for school choice. Parents should be able to use their tax dollars for homeschooling, Christian schools, and private schools that are actually producing results. Competition improves quality. When money follows the student, schools are forced to focus on education—not indoctrination.
Why Does Ché Ahn Believe Revival Is the Only Real Solution for California?
Richard Harris: You’ve said repeatedly that politics alone won’t save California. Why is revival essential?
Ché Ahn: Because wisdom doesn’t come from elite institutions—it comes from God. Scripture says the wisdom of man is foolishness to God. We don’t need more politicians with impressive resumes; we need leaders filled with the Holy Spirit. California’s problems are spiritual at the root, and only spiritual renewal can bring lasting change. I’ve been part of multiple revival movements, and I believe we are entering another Great Awakening. God hasn’t given up on California. I don’t claim to know the outcome of this race—but I know I’m being obedient. And obedience is what God honors.
How Can People Support Ché Ahn’s Campaign for Governor?
Richard Harris: For those who want to learn more or get involved, what’s the best way to support you?Ché Ahn: First and foremost, I ask people to pray—for me and for California. Revival begins with prayer. Second, use your voice—share your support on social media, even if you live outside California. This is a national moment. And third, pray about giving. A gubernatorial race requires significant resources, and anyone in the country can support this campaign. Everything people need to know can be found at che4ca.com.