Former Huntington Beach city attorney, a Newsom critic, to run for state attorney general

"Gates, 50, announced the launch of his campaign for the state's top law enforcement job during an event at the Huntington Beach Pier on Wednesday flanked by Hilton, former state Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, who is running alongside Hilton for lieutenant governor, and a trove of supporters."

""California has the highest cost of living and the highest taxes, which are crushing families, and Sacramento elites keep scheming for ways to raise our taxes while leaving our streets unsafe for our families and our businesses," Gates said."

"Gates' speech launching his campaign struck a similar tone to the messaging he employed in his role as Huntington Beach city attorney, where he positioned himself in direct opposition to the state's Democratic leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and current Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta."

"Gates, a lifelong Republican, was first elected as Huntington Beach city attorney in 2014 and was reelected twice. He held the role until last year, when he was appointed as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. After a 10-month stint with the federal government, Gates announced he had resigned the post so he could spend more time with his family. He was rehired to work as an assistant city attorney in Huntington Beach."

Michael Gates launched a campaign for California attorney general, appearing at the Huntington Beach Pier with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and Gloria Romero. Gates criticized California's high cost of living and taxes and blamed Sacramento elites for failing to keep streets safe. Gates framed his campaign in opposition to Democratic leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bonta is running for reelection and has sued the Trump administration more than 50 times. Gates served multiple terms as Huntington Beach city attorney, worked briefly in the DOJ Civil Rights Division, resigned to spend time with family, and returned to Huntington Beach city government.

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