Michael E. Gates
What this job does: The state's chief lawyer and top law enforcement officer. Heads the Department of Justice, represents the state in court, investigates fraud, and oversees district attorneys and sheriffs. A term is four years.
- Occupation
- Deputy United States Attorney (ballot designation)
Background
- Former Huntington Beach City Attorney, per the candidate's voter guide statement. source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
- Former U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division attorney, per the candidate's voter guide statement. source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
- Appointed from the Huntington Beach City Attorney post to a position in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. source: dailyjournal.com
In their own words
What the candidate says they will work on, from their campaign site or their answers to news-outlet questionnaires. We list it as stated and do not rate it.
- Enforce Proposition 36 source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
- Prosecute drug traffickers source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
- Oversee state spending source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
Look them up yourself
Latest news
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Something wrong or missing? This profile was compiled from public sources on October 15, 2026. Every fact links to where it came from.