Che Ahn in Jerusalem: Running for California Governor with Pastor's Heart, Strong Commitment to Israel

Chris Mitchell
01-13-2026

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JERUSALEM, Israel – Last year, Pasadena Pastor Che Ahn, who founded Harvest Rock Church, one of the largest congregations in Southern California, felt the Lord was prompting him to run for governor in America's most populous state.

He was reluctant and told the Lord he didn't want to do it, but out of obedience to His leading, he filed the papers to run. 

Just before his 70th birthday this month, the Korean-born pastor joined us in CBN News' Jerusalem studio to talk not only about his quest in the political arena, but also his strong stand for Israel and against the rampant global antisemitism. As you can tell from our interview, he still retains his pastor's heart, and he told us that only a God-ordained spiritual awakening can transform California and the world.

Click on the video above to watch our interview. 

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About The Author

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief CBN.com
Chris
Mitchell

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief In a time where the world's attention is riveted on events in the Middle East, CBN viewers have come to appreciate Chris Mitchell's timely reports from this explosive region of the world. Mitchell brings a Biblical and prophetic perspective to these daily news events that shape our world. Chris first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. He repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. One of his more significant reports focused on the emigration of persecuted Christians