PASADENA – A Muslim pulmonologist in Pasadena, California, has announced plans to run for lieutenant governor of California, saying he is a triple threat to President Donald Trump.

“The divisive and hateful agenda of Donald Trump compels me to run,” Dr. Asif Mahmood told The New York Times on Wednesday, March 29.

“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,” he added.

Dr. Mahmood was born in a small village in rural Pakistan. He came to the United States 26 years ago to study medicine.

Now 56 years old, he officially announced his first bid for public office Wednesday morning.

If elected in November 2018, he would be the first Muslim to hold statewide office in California.

Though only one has announced plans to run in upcoming election, a state senator, Dr. Mahmood still has to face a big challenge to win votes and the office.

Being a Muslim, Dr. Mahmood said he did 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.”

Dr. Mahmoud is not the only Muslim running in November election.

In Michigan, Dr. Abdul Sayed announced plans to run for Michigan governor, with a possibility of becoming the first Muslim governor in the history of US.

El-Sayed could be both the youngest person to be elected governor, since Bill Clinton in 1978, and the first Muslim in the United States to do so.