Huntington Beach's Gates runs for California attorney general

Michael E. Gates, a Republican and former Huntington Beach city attorney, is running for California attorney general against Rob Bonta in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

He faces Bonta, a Democrat.

Gates said he would fully enforce Proposition 36 statewide to restore accountability for repeat theft and drug offenses, according to his statement in the California Official Voter Information Guide.

Candidate information

Name: Michael E. Gates
Party: Republican
Office sought: California Attorney General
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Opponent: Rob Bonta (Democratic)
Residence: Huntington Beach
Education: High school diploma, Marina High School; bachelor's degree in business administration and management, Pepperdine University; juris doctor, Chapman University
Family: Gates describes himself as a husband of 30 years and father of five

Experience and public service

Gates served as Huntington Beach city attorney from 2014 to 2025, according to Ballotpedia and BallotReady profile data. He said he won election to that post in three consecutive citywide elections in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He also served on the Huntington Beach City Council, according to BallotReady.

Gates said he built a local prosecution program as city attorney that cut crime by double digits in its first year, making Huntington Beach one of California's safest cities. He said he is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Before entering public office, Gates was a partner at an Orange County law firm, according to Ballotpedia. He serves as deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Gates' responses in the California Official Voter Information Guide and his campaign website.

Public safety: Gates said he would fully enforce Proposition 36 to restore accountability for repeat theft and drug offenses and prosecute traffickers. He said he would enforce laws against open drug use and encampments, and partner with local prosecutors and law enforcement. He said he would prioritize prosecution of violent and repeat offenders and defend law enforcement officers who are sued for doing their jobs.

Local government authority: Gates said he would defend the constitutional authority of cities and counties to control zoning, land use and housing decisions. He said he would defend local authority over land-use decisions that reflect environmental conditions and community priorities.

Environment: Gates said he would protect sensitive 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.

Government accountability: Gates said he would partner with federal and local law enforcement to dismantle fraud schemes, demand full transparency with public reporting and independent audits, and hold public officials and private contractors accountable for misusing funds.

Gun rights: Gates said he would defend the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Californians and focus enforcement on violent criminals, gangs and repeat offenders rather than responsible gun owners.