• Michael Gates is a husband, father of five, and an experienced attorney who will fight for Californians as our next Attorney General. As a lifelong Californian, he has deep roots in this state and a strong commitment to family, hard work, and public service.
• Michael began his legal career in private practice as a litigator and trial attorney, eventually becoming a partner at an Orange County law firm. After establishing himself as an accomplished trial attorney, in 2014, Michael left a successful private practice to serve as the elected City Attorney of Huntington Beach, a position he held for ten years after winning city elections in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
• As City Attorney, Michael became known for a tough, hands-on approach to public safety. He established Huntington Beach’s first-ever local Criminal Prosecutor Program in 2017, which resulted in an 11.5% reduction in crime in the city’s downtown area. Michael became of champion for police officers, consistently fighting for them in court, and winning. Michael quickly built a record of success in fighting crime and homelessness in Huntington Beach.
• Michael has personally argued some of the city’s most high-profile and politically sensitive cases, including litigation involving Voter ID and voter integrity laws, state housing mandates, and challenges to state policies. Michael aggressively fought Sacramento on behalf of the residents he represents, reflecting his ability to lead from the front and his reputation as a fighter for the people.
• In 2025, Michael was appointed Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he oversaw approximately 100 attorneys across Employment, Voting and Elections, Housing and Civil Enforcement, and Criminal sections. Over his career, he has practiced across a broad range of legal disciplines, consistently demonstrating a commitment to public safety, the rule of law, and effective government.

AS OUR ATTORNEY GENERAL, ON DAY ONE, MICHAEL WILL:

• Aggressively crack down on, and reduce, crime, including enforcing Prop 36
• End Government Fraud and put those responsible for the Billions lost in prison
• Enforce anti-camping and loitering laws to end homelessness in our streets
• Defend law enforcement for doing their job—not criminalize and defund the police
• Supporting local businesses and ensure safe communities
• Enforce election laws to restore trust and integrity in our elections
• Restore Local Control and prevent overdevelopment in already-developed communities

Visit his website at www.Gates4AG.com