Michael Gates

Michael E. Gates is an American lawyer and the Republican nominee for Attorney General of California in the November 3, 2026 general election, in which he faces incumbent Democrat Rob Bonta. He was admitted to the State Bar of California on December 1, 2008, and holds an active license (Bar No. 258446).^[1]

Gates practiced civil litigation in Orange County, defending police officers and physicians, and became a partner at a local firm before entering public office.^[2] He was elected Huntington Beach City Attorney in 2014 and reelected in 2018 and 2022.^[2] In 2017 he launched the city's first local criminal prosecution program, working with the Orange County District Attorney's Office.^[2][3] As city attorney he represented Huntington Beach in litigation with the State of California over state housing mandates, the city's voter identification measure and other state policies.^[2][3]

In February 2025, Gates was appointed a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he oversaw about 100 attorneys in the Employment, Voting and Elections, Housing and Civil Enforcement, and Criminal sections.^[2][3]

Gates launched his campaign for California attorney general in January 2026.^[4] He and Bonta advanced from the June 2, 2026 primary to the November general election.^[5]

Gates earned his law degree from Chapman University School of Law.^[1] He lives in Huntington Beach with his wife and their five children.^[2]