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Michael E. Gates

Republican

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.

Interview · KCRA 3 · 26 min“Michael Gates explains why he should be California's next Attorney General | CA Politics 360 — Fu...” · YouTube

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Rob Bonta

Democratic

No candidate statement.

Interview · KCRA 3 · 29 min“Full Interview: Rob Bonta explains why he should be reelected Attorney General | CA Politics 360” · YouTube

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Issue	Michael E. GatesRepublican	Rob BontaDemocraticIncumbent
Prison sentences “California should be tougher on crime with longer sentences and fewer early releases from prison.”	Strongly agrees Says fully carrying out Prop 36, which raised penalties for some crimes, would be his highest priority.	No stated position
Relationship with the Trump administration “California's leaders should fight the Trump administration in court rather than seek a cooperative relationship.”	No stated position	Strongly agrees Has filed or joined more than 50 lawsuits against the second Trump administration.
Sanctuary law “California should keep its sanctuary law limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”	Strongly disagrees As Huntington Beach city attorney, sued to overturn the sanctuary law, arguing the city doesn't have to comply.	Strongly agrees His office said it is prepared to vigorously defend the sanctuary law against Huntington Beach's lawsuit.
State housing mandates on cities “The state should require cities to allow more housing, including apartments, even over local objections.”	Strongly disagrees As Huntington Beach city attorney, fought state housing laws that would have compelled the city to build more affordable housing.	Strongly agrees As attorney general, enforced laws compelling reluctant cities to build new housing.

Issue

Michael E. GatesRepublican

Rob BontaDemocraticIncumbent

Prison sentences

“California should be tougher on crime with longer sentences and fewer early releases from prison.”

Strongly agrees

Says fully carrying out Prop 36, which raised penalties for some crimes, would be his highest priority.

No stated position

Relationship with the Trump administration

“California's leaders should fight the Trump administration in court rather than seek a cooperative relationship.”

No stated position

Strongly agrees

Has filed or joined more than 50 lawsuits against the second Trump administration.

Sanctuary law

“California should keep its sanctuary law limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”

Strongly disagrees

As Huntington Beach city attorney, sued to overturn the sanctuary law, arguing the city doesn't have to comply.

Strongly agrees

His office said it is prepared to vigorously defend the sanctuary law against Huntington Beach's lawsuit.

State housing mandates on cities

“The state should require cities to allow more housing, including apartments, even over local objections.”

Strongly disagrees

As Huntington Beach city attorney, fought state housing laws that would have compelled the city to build more affordable housing.

Strongly agrees

As attorney general, enforced laws compelling reluctant cities to build new housing.

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