California, March 29, 2026: Pakistani-American politician Mohammad Arif has announced his candidacy for the California gubernatorial elections scheduled for June 2026.
Mohammad Arif, who also serves as an immigrant organizer in California and chairs the American Research for Immigration Foundation, is running as the sole immigrant leadership candidate in this year’s race. His nomination papers were officially approved by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
The 2026 election features over two dozen candidates, with the incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom ineligible for a third term. Political analysts suggest that, given the weakened Republican position in California and the division among Democratic contenders, two Republican candidates may advance to the general election despite the state’s traditionally Democratic lean.
Highlighting his grassroots activism, Mohammad Arif announced that dozens of “No Kings” protests will take place across Southern California, from Los Angeles to Ventura County, this weekend against the Trump administration. Reports indicate that nearly two-thirds of the 3,000 planned demonstrations will occur outside urban centers, with over 9 million participants expected nationwide. Experts predict that these protests could mark the largest single day of demonstrations in U.S. history.
