Unofficial! Not a government website, and not your ballot. We're just the Voter Guider people. What that means
Unofficial! Not a government website, and not your ballot. We're just the Voter Guider people. What that means
Republican
Running for: Attorney General · California
Deputy United States Attorney
We need a new Attorney General. According to FBI data, California ranks 6th highest in the nation for violent crime. Every Californian deserves to feel safe—in their neighborhoods, at school, walking to the store. Too many families don't feel that way today. Fentanyl is taking our kids.
In the candidate's own words, from the California Official Voter Information Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election: Candidate Statements, p. 6. Statements aren't fact-checked by the elections office or by us.
“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.” (CalMatters via LAist)
Key endorsements, per LAist: California Republican Party · California Parents Union · California Rifle & Pistol Association
Endorsement list From CalMatters via LAist's voter guide , retrieved 2026-10-22
Most independent first: news outlets and nonpartisan series, then civic forums, viewpoint outlets, public meeting records, and the campaign's own videos. Each one says who made it; click that label for what it means.
Statement: “California should be tougher on crime with longer sentences and fewer early releases from prison.”
Says fully carrying out Prop 36, which raised penalties for some crimes, would be his highest priority.
Sources
“Michael will make full implementation of Prop 36 across the State his highest priority after taking office.”
Statement: “California should keep its sanctuary law limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”
As Huntington Beach city attorney, sued to overturn the sanctuary law, arguing the city doesn't have to comply.
Sources
“In the suit, Gates argues that as a charter city, Huntington Beach leaders don't have to comply with sanctuary laws.”
Statement: “The state should require cities to allow more housing, including apartments, even over local objections.”
As Huntington Beach city attorney, fought state housing laws that would have compelled the city to build more affordable housing.
Sources
“He also fought elements of the new housing laws that would have compelled Huntington Beach to build more affordable housing.”
