Huntington Beach MAGA Leader Runs for California AG

Michael Gates touts his decade as Huntington Beach's top cop in bid for state's top law enforcement role.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of bold primary colors, conceptually representing the combative political climate surrounding a conservative law enforcement leader's statewide campaign.A fractured, high-energy painting captures the combative political climate surrounding a conservative law enforcement leader's bid for statewide office.Huntington Beach Today

Michael Gates, the longtime police chief of Huntington Beach, is running for California Attorney General on a platform of tough-on-crime policies and a return to conservative 'law and order' values. Gates is touting his record of reducing crime and homelessness in the coastal Orange County city as the key qualifications for his statewide campaign.

Why it matters

Gates' candidacy represents the growing influence of the MAGA movement in California politics, as conservative activists seek to take their 'revolution' to the state capital in Sacramento. His campaign could galvanize the Republican base but faces an uphill battle in the heavily Democratic state.

The details

During his decade as Huntington Beach's police chief, Gates has taken a hardline stance on issues like homelessness and public safety. He has credited his policies for reducing crime rates and cleaning up the city's image, portraying Huntington Beach as a thriving tourist destination with a 'small-town Midwest feel.' Now Gates is hoping to translate that local success into a statewide campaign for California Attorney General.

  • Gates has served as Huntington Beach's police chief for the past 10 years.
  • He announced his campaign for California Attorney General in April 2026.

The players

Michael Gates

The longtime police chief of Huntington Beach who is running for California Attorney General on a conservative 'law and order' platform.

Huntington Beach

A coastal city in Orange County, California that Gates has touted as a model of public safety and conservative values during his tenure as police chief.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A drop in crime and homelessness. Tourists from across the world. A thriving Main Street. A small-town feel almost like the Midwest.”

— Michael Gates, Huntington Beach Police Chief

What’s next

Gates will need to win the Republican primary before facing off against the Democratic incumbent for California Attorney General in the general election.

The takeaway

Gates' campaign represents the growing influence of the MAGA movement in California politics, as conservative activists seek to take their agenda to the state capital. His success or failure could have major implications for the future direction of law enforcement and criminal justice policy in the state.