PRESS RELEASES

May 18, 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - Michael Gates today announced that his campaign for California Attorney General has raised $1 million in just four short months, a major milestone that demonstrates growing momentum behind his campaign to bring new leadership to the California Department of Justice. “Raising $1 million is a major sign of momentum and motivation among Californians who are ready for a real Attorney General again,” said Gates . “Californians are sick and tired of the corruption. They want a top cop who will enforce the law and stand with law enforcement. I am the law and order candidate who will hold Sacramento accountable.” The fundraising achievement comes as Californians continue to express deep frustration with their embattled incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, who last year had to pay personal defense attorneys nearly a half a million dollars in the middle of a federal corruption probe. Gates, the former elected City Attorney of Huntington Beach, built his reputation taking on Sacramento and prioritizing public safety. As City Attorney, Gates established Huntington Beach’s first local Criminal Prosecutor Program to prosecute quality-of-life crimes, support law enforcement and restore order in the community. The program reduced crime in Huntington Beach’s downtown area by 11.5 percent. Since then, Huntington Beach is a top 10 safest City in California out of nearly 500. “This campaign is proving that Californians are ready for change,” said Gates . “We are building the resources, support and statewide organization needed to win. As Attorney General, I will make crime illegal again, aggressively prosecute fraud and corruption, defend law enforcement and put the safety of California families first.” The $1 million milestone follows a series of major endorsements from law enforcement leaders, Republican organizations and grassroots activists across California, further establishing Gates as the leading challenger in the race for Attorney General. Gates has made public safety the centerpiece of his campaign, pledging to enforce Proposition 36, crack down on violent crime and organized retail theft, address homelessness by holding criminals accountable while getting people into treatment, defend police officers from political attacks and aggressively pursue waste, fraud and abuse in state government.
May 18, 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - Michael Gates, candidate for California Attorney General, today announced the endorsement of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. “California needs an Attorney General who will stand with law enforcement, not undermine them,” said Gates . “I am honored to have the support of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and the deputies who put their lives on the line every day to keep families safe.” The Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association represents the men and women on the front lines of public safety in California’s capital region. Their endorsement adds to Gates’s growing support from law enforcement organizations across the state. “As Attorney General, I will make public safety the top priority again,” said Gates . “That means enforcing the law, backing the men and women who wear the badge and holding criminals accountable. Sacramento politicians have made our communities less safe. I’m running to fix that.” Gates, the former Huntington Beach City Attorney, launched his campaign with a focus on public safety, law enforcement support and aggressive action against fraud and corruption. As City Attorney, Gates created Huntington Beach’s first local criminal prosecutor program, which focused on quality-of-life crimes, helped reduce crime in the city’s downtown area and made Huntington Beach one of the safest cities in the state. Click here to see a full list of elected officials, organizations and individuals who have endorsed Gates for Attorney General.
May 18, 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - Michael Gates, Republican candidate for California Attorney General, today announced the endorsement of Ambassador Richard Grenell, one of the nation’s most prominent conservative leaders and a former Acting Director of National Intelligence. Gates is the only statewide candidate in California endorsed by Ambassador Grenell. “I endorse Michael Gates for Attorney General because he is the best person to fight corruption, stop crime and restore common sense to Sacramento,” said Amb. Grenell. Grenell’s endorsement adds to Gates’ growing statewide coalition of conservative leaders, law enforcement organizations, grassroots activists and Californians ready to restore accountability to the Attorney General’s Office. “Ambassador Grenell has been a fearless voice for America First principles, the rule of law and government accountability,” said Gates . “I am honored to have his support in this campaign. California is facing a public safety crisis, a homelessness crisis and an affordability crisis made worse by waste, fraud and abuse. As Attorney General, I will prosecute criminals, defend law enforcement, protect families and bring accountability back to Sacramento.” Gates, the former Huntington Beach City Attorney, launched his campaign with a focus on public safety, law enforcement support and aggressive action against fraud and corruption. As City Attorney, Gates created Huntington Beach’s first local criminal prosecutor program, which focused on quality-of-life crimes, helped reduce crime in the city’s downtown area and made Huntington Beach one of the safest cities in the state. Click here to see a full list of elected officials, organizations and individuals who have endorsed Gates for Attorney General.