Michael Gates explains why he should be California’s next Attorney General | CA Politics 360
Michael Gates, a Republican attorney from Huntington Beach, is running for California Attorney General, emphasizing his extensive legal experience and a commitment to addressing crime, corruption, and what he calls compliance with federal laws.
Gates is running against Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta.
“I’ve practiced in elections law, election integrity, California constitutional law, U.S. constitutional law, First Amendment, Second Amendment, parental rights litigation, and defense of police litigation,” Gates said. “I’ve taken cases to trial defending our police officers, both in Huntington Beach and for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.”
Gates contrasted his courtroom experience with that of current Attorney General Bonta, whom he described as a “career politician.” He criticized Bonta for spending time in the legislature rather than in court and accused him of failing to enforce criminal laws effectively.
“California is considered one of the most dangerous states to live in,” Gates said, citing FBI data ranking California sixth in violent crime and a 2026 Consumer Affairs report listing it as the second most dangerous state in the nation. “We do not have to live like that. Under my leadership, we are going to be tough on crime regardless.”
Gates pledged to reverse course on crime policies, advocating for increased prison and jail capacity to address public safety concerns.
“When we increase public safety and reduce crime, we reduce suffering in California,” he said.
On his first day in office, Gates said he would dismiss lawsuits filed by Bonta against hospitals, including children’s hospitals, that aim to force them to perform gender-affirming surgeries on minors. “We are going to protect children,” Gates said.
Gates also criticized Bonta’s handling of waste, fraud, and abuse, pointing to a state auditor’s report that revealed $425 billion in such issues over the past five years. “Governor Newsom and Rob Bonta already knew about the waste, fraud, and abuse for years prior to Nick Shurley exposing it, and they deliberately chose to do nothing about it,” Gates said.
He accused Bonta of focusing on politically charged lawsuits, including 78 lawsuits against the Trump administration in 78 weeks, which Gates described as “ridiculous.” Gates said he would review those lawsuits and ensure California complies with federal laws to avoid unnecessary litigation.
Regarding antitrust enforcement, Gates dismissed Bonta’s claims that mergers like the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal harm consumers. “There is far more competition now than there ever has been,” Gates said, adding that he has personal experience litigating antitrust cases.
Gates also criticized Bonta’s approach to election integrity, alleging that investigations into voter fraud and corruption have been neglected. “Election integrity needs to be investigated. Crime needs to be prosecuted. Corruption needs to be investigated and prosecuted,” Gates said.
Addressing concerns about his Republican affiliation in a predominantly Democratic state, Gates pointed to polling data showing that 65% of Californians believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. “The public sentiment is already there for change,” he said.
Gates promised to enforce federal laws, including Title IX, Second Amendment rights, and immigration laws, and said he would hold all 58 sheriffs in California accountable for issuing concealed carry permits within 90 days of application.
“If people only remember me for one thing when I leave office, I want them to remember he returned California to a law-and-order state,” Gates said. “We are lawless right now, and it’s got to come to an end.”
KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.