Michael GatesMichael Gates

California families deserve to be safe again. Crime is rising, homelessness is out of control, fraud with taxpayer dollars is rampant, and our children—especially young girls—are not being protected. The Office of Attorney General should be focused on enforcing the law and keeping families safe, not playing politics. I’m a husband and father of five, and like every parent, I want our children to grow up in safe communities. That’s why public safety has always been my top priority. As the City Attorney for Huntington Beach, I fought for the people. I created a city criminal prosecutor program that prosecuted quality-of-life crimes and reduced crime by double digits. We proved that when the law is enforced, communities thrive. As Attorney General, I will make crime illegal again by prosecuting all crimes, including enforcing Proposition 36, and use the law to address homelessness by holding criminals accountable while getting people of our streets and into treatment. I will stand up for police, support law enforcement and defend them when they are unfairly attacked. I will also bring proven programs that lowered crime and homelessness in Huntington Beach to cities across California. I will aggressively prosecute fraud and corruption in Sacramento, protect parents’ rights, enforce laws that keep boys out of girls’ sports and support Voter ID. This is a serious office. I will fight for everyday Californians and bring accountability and safety back to California. Learn more at www.Gates4AG.com.

Gates, a former trial attorney, served as Huntington Beach city attorney for a decade. In that role, he challenged what he viewed as lenient criminal justice policy emanating from the state capital. He also fought elements of the new housing laws that would have compelled Huntington Beach to build more affordable housing. In 2025, Gates was appointed a deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, a job he left in November when he returned to the Huntington Beach city attorney's office.

Key endorsements: California Republican Party, California Parents Union, California Rifle & Pistol Association.

Christian, conservative, pro-life, and pro-marriage

Part of Golden Ticket slate; priorities include election integrity and protecting parental rights

VIG listing; Occupation: Deputy United States Attorney

Former private trial attorney; 10-year Huntington Beach City Attorney; appointed Deputy Assistant AG in DOJ Civil Rights Division under Trump

Endorsed by CRA

American Independent + Shasta Republican Party endorsed

HJTA-PAC Endorsed

SD County GOP endorsed

American Independent Party endorsed

American Independent Party endorsed