Community News
Michael Gates is Running for California Attorney General 2026
by: Carla Strickland HBRC President
Published: January 13, 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH...Michael Gates, former Huntington Beach City Attorney and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, will officially announce his campaign for California Attorney General in 2026, on January 14th at a Press Conference at the Huntington Beach Pier at 11am.
We need to support Michael today in order to help him ensure that other Republican candidates do not jump in this race and split the vote. HBRW will also be making a donation today so that Gates can show in the next 48 hours that he has the support of the community. Please consider making a donation with HBRW today at www.Gates4AG.com
This is a rare and timely opportunity. Attorney General Rob Bonta recently considered jumping in the Governor’s race but decided not to because his polling numbers were too low to support his candidacy. And, with the Voter ID initiative on the November ballot, voter turnout dynamics strongly favor a candidate like Michael—one with a proven record of standing up for election integrity, public safety, and local control.
Michael is a battle-tested attorney with an extraordinary record of legal victories and a reputation as a fearless advocate against failed state policies. His experience includes:
- Defending law enforcement officers in high-stakes jury trials
- Fighting crime and improving public safety at the local level
- Supporting small businesses by restoring safe streets and neighborhoods
- Crafting and defending Voter ID laws
- Standing up for parents’ rights and local control
- Taking on Sacramento repeatedly—and winning
Michael's record speaks for itself. Among his many other accomplishments:
- Recovered $38 million from the State of California and returned it to Huntington Beach taxpayers
- Won a five-week jury trial defending police officers in a $20 million officer-involved shooting case
- Successfully defended the City in a $10 million police-related motor vehicle case
- Launched Huntington Beach’s first-ever local criminal prosecutor program, which reduced crime by 11.5% in its first year
- Helped reduce the city’s homeless population by more than 60% since COVID through coordinated enforcement and public safety efforts
At the U.S. Department of Justice, Michael worked on nationwide federal election law enforcement, holding states—including California—accountable. He knows how the system works, and he knows how to fix it.
Michael Gates is a proven winner. After years of defending Californians from Sacramento’s worst excesses, he is now stepping forward to fight for us from within Sacramento. As Attorney General, he has committed to:
- Aggressively cracking down on crime
- Enforcing anti-camping laws to end homelessness
- Defending law enforcement—not defunding it
- Supporting local businesses and safe communities
- Enforcing election laws to restore trust and integrity
- Preventing overdevelopment in already-developed communities
- Investigating waste, fraud, and abuse throughout state government
Michael must raise $250,000 in the next 48 hours to launch this campaign with the momentum it deserves. Any contribution—large or small-will help send a clear message: Michael Gates is the leading candidate, and has strong grassroots support across California. Visit www.Gates4AG.com and consider making a donation today. Let’s support him now—and let’s help him win!