Muslim Immigrant Joins California Lieutenant Governor Race

Asif Mahmood
Asif Mahmood, a Democrat and Muslim doctor from Los Angeles, announced his run for California lieutenant governor outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. He is running against state Sen. Ed Hernandez, who announced early.  New York Times

"Let's get tough on hate," proclaims a physician who came to the U.S. from Pakistan and who just entered the 2018 race for California lieutenant governor.

Dr. Asif Mahmood, a Democrat, kicked off his candidacy Wednesday outside the headquarters of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in downtown Los Angeles, reports Fox News. He promises to run on his Muslim faith, immigrant experience and career in medicine.

The pulmonologist and doctor of internal medicine said his status as a Californian, a Muslim and an immigrant makes him a "triple threat" to fight what he calls President Donald Trump's "discriminatory attacks" on foreigners seeking a better life in the U.S. He practices at a number of hospitals in the Los Angeles area.

"I want to tell him [Trump]:  Get tough on hate. Stop bashing on immigrants, on people of color, on Muslims," Mahmood, 56, told The Associated Press. "That is not America."

Mahmood  was born in a small, rural village in Pakistan. He said his father's dream was to become a doctor, but he was forced to leave school and support his family at a young age. The family's dream was realized when Mahmood received his medical degree from one of Pakistan's top medical schools in 1987. He then moved to Kentucky in the 1990s to complete medical school. He moved to Southern California in 2000, and lives near Los Angeles with his wife and three teenage children.

As a first-time candidate, Mahmood's next step is to build a statewide coalition, potentially anchored to civil rights. He has participated in philanthropic efforts for nonprofit organizations, such as UNICEF and East Los Angeles College. He said his experience running a medical practice and volunteering at free clinics that treat poor populations gave him the credentials to campaign for health care reform.

He said he believes helping others is a person's highest calling.

On his campaign website, he states he knows the struggles of health care, including insurance coverage issues, prescription drug issues, in and out of network issues, follow up issues, and support beyond medical care. He also said if a patient doesn't have insurance, his office won't ask for payment. He supports a Medicare for All system.

Mahmood said he did not think his religion would be an obstacle in California, a state known for diversity that he credits for allowing him to flourish. "I am a proud Muslim and a proud American," he said.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the incumbent, is barred by term limits from seeking a third term and is running for governor.

The lieutenant governor has a seat on the board of regents of the 10-campus University of California. Mahmood said he would use it to influence higher education reform. "Education is why I'm here today," he said.

State Sen. Ed Hernandez, also a Democrat, is the only other declared candidate for lieutenant governor at this time.

"I say President Trump has it all wrong -- it's time to get tough on hate. It's time to fight hate and division, and instead build compassion and opportunity," said the new candidate. 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.