'Triple threat to Trump': Pakistani immigrant to run for California governorship

Asif Mahmood, who arrived in the United States 26 years ago, is a pulmonologist

A Pakistani Muslim immigrant has announced plans of joining the 2018 race to become the lieutenant governor of California.

Asif Mahmood, who arrived in the United States 26 years ago to pursue education in the field of medicine, is a pulmonologist in Pasadena city.

"The divisive and hateful agenda of Donald Trump compels me to run," Mahmood said in an interview to California Today. "I am a proud Muslim. I am a Muslim immigrant. I am from the state of California. I am a triple threat to Donald Trump."



If chosen in the election, scheduled for November 2018, he would be the first Muslim to serve in the California statewide office. There are, however, already a number of Muslims in public office across the US.

These include two Muslims in Congress while a Muslim is running for governor in Michigan state, according to executive director of Muslim Observer Mohammed Nadeem.

As a newcomer to politics, the Pakistani-American seems to have an uphill task. He has the services of one of the state's top Democratic political consultants to run his race. According to Smith, Mahmood would likely require from $1-$3 million to mount a campaign and is confident about it.



According to Mahmood, his experience as a doctor has given him credentials to campaign on healthcare reform, adding he does not think his religion would be an obstacle in California.

"There might be a small segment of people who feel that way," he said. "But I am a proud Muslim and a proud immigrant and I love America. I deal with Americans every day. And when you help them they are totally appreciative of that."