Ché Ahn, a longtime pastor and influential leader, recently shared with CBN how the late Charlie Kirk profoundly influenced his life and ministry, and what he hopes to see happen from his bid in the California governor’s race.
Meeting Kirk in 2020 at David Lane’s American Renewal Project conference, Ahn recalls being struck by the young leader’s wisdom and prophetic insight. “I was drawn to him immediately,” he said. Their connection deepened through ministry collaborations alongside of Pastor Jack Hibbs and multiple Turning Point conferences. One of these moments for Ahn led to a historic event where he had the opportunity to pray for President Donald Trump with other faith leaders.
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Reflecting on Kirk’s assassination, Ahn said, “Genesis 50:20 says what the enemy meant for evil, God’s going to turn around, use it for the good. … God is going to use Charlie Kirk to bring about the greatest revival. It’s already begun.”
He emphasized that plans to reach and disciple the next generation were already in motion before Kirk’s death, including a stadium event targeting Gen Z college students at USC, UCLA and UC Irvine. “Even if I don’t win,” Ahn said, “if I can reach these college students, get them saved and discipled, and for them to vote biblically, we hit every single campus, we have a whole new generation of leaders that could turn this state into a conservative state that would reflect kingdom biblical values.”
Ahn also contrasted his campaign with the current California governor, Gavin Newsom, noting stark ideological differences. “Ideologically speaking, he’s extremely left. He’s woke. He’s very narcissistic. It’s all about him,” Ahn said. “For me, Jesus is my Lord … I want to lay down my life and serve all of California. It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus and his kingdom.”
Central to Ahn’s platform is a commitment to righteousness and integrity in governance. He frames his campaign not as a conventional political race, but as a spiritual battle, citing Ephesians 6 and the reality of wrestling “against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.”
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Ahn also touched on controversial state issues like abortion, criticizing California’s Proposition 1 and Assembly Bill 495 as attacks on parental rights and children. He noted the broader cultural and spiritual implications of these policies, linking them to his faith-driven vision for the state.
For Ahn, the ultimate goal is not merely political victory, but spiritual transformation in California. “It’s all about Jesus and His kingdom,” he concluded.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
