Michael E. Gates, a Republican, is running for California attorney general in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Rob Bonta.
Gates said he would fully enforce Proposition 36 statewide to restore accountability for repeat theft and drug offenses, according to his candidate statement in the California Official Voter Information Guide. He said he would also prosecute traffickers.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Huntington Beach, California
- Education: Juris doctor, Chapman University; bachelor's degree in business administration and management, Pepperdine University; high school diploma, Marina High School
- Family: Married 30 years, father of five, according to his candidate statement
Experience and public service
Gates said he served as Huntington Beach city attorney from 2014 to 2025, winning three consecutive citywide elections in 2014, 2018 and 2022, according to his Ballotpedia profile. He also served on the Huntington Beach City Council, according to BallotReady profile data.
Gates said he was a partner at an Orange County law firm before entering public office, according to his Ballotpedia profile. He said he is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gates is listed as deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, a position he has held since 2025, according to BallotReady profile data.
On the issues
Gates outlined his priorities on his campaign website and in his official voter guide statement. All positions below are the candidate's own stated views.
Criminal justice and public safety: Gates said he would fully enforce Proposition 36 to hold repeat theft and drug offenders accountable. He said he would enforce laws against open drug use and encampments. He said he would partner with local prosecutors and law enforcement, prioritize prosecution of violent and repeat offenders, and defend law enforcement officers who face lawsuits for doing their jobs.
Housing and local control: Gates said he would defend the constitutional authority of cities and counties to control zoning, land use and housing decisions.
Environment: Gates said he would protect coastal zones, wildlife habitats, water supplies and high fire-risk areas from what he called reckless or unlawful development. He said he would enforce environmental laws where high-density development threatens those areas.
Guns: Gates said he would defend Second Amendment rights for law-abiding Californians and focus enforcement on violent criminals, gangs and repeat offenders.
Government reform: Gates said he would demand full transparency through public reporting and independent audits. He said he would hold officials and contractors accountable for misusing funds and partner with federal and local law enforcement to dismantle fraud schemes.
Endorsements
The following endorsements are reported by CalMatters and BallotReady profile data:
- California GOP
- California Republican Assembly
- California Congress of Republicans
- California Parents Union
- California Rifle and Pistol Association
- Los Angeles County GOP
- San Bernardino County GOP
- Santa Clara County GOP
- Alameda County GOP
- Bay Area GOP
- San Francisco GOP
- Monterey County GOP
- Silicon Valley Association of Conservative Republicans
Candidate positions and biography are drawn from the California Official Voter Information Guide, Ballotpedia and BallotReady. No candidate questionnaire responses were submitted directly to this outlet.
