Michael Gates Can Win: Raises $100K at Fundraiser

Former Huntington Beach City Attorney and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Gates, a Republican, is running for California Attorney General against incumbent Democrat Attorney General Rob Bonta in the 2026 California Attorney General election.

Friday, June 26, at a  fundraising reception for Michael Gates, with Special Guest Ambassador Richard Grenell,  Gates raised $100,000.

This is indicative of a fundraising trend going forward, as Gates is campaigning on public safety as his top priority – something that has been eroded since Bonta’s appointment and subsequent election.

Gates is running a strong campaign and has already achieved a historic primary victory.

In California’s top-two “Jungle” primary, the top two candidates advance to the November general election regardless of party. Bonta and Gates advanced, defeating Green Party candidate Marjorie Mikels. Approximate final results:

• Rob Bonta (D) (incumbent): 56.6% (4,978,431 million votes)
• Michael Gates (R): 37.9% (3,336,367 million votes)
• Marjorie Mikels (G): 5.4% (478,178 votes)

California’s Primary Election total turnout was high, with over 8.7 million votes counted in this race. Gates received a strong showing for a Republican in a statewide California race — especially in a top-two primary.

“I am proud to support his effort to restore accountability, public safety, and the rule of law in California, and I would be honored to have you with us for this important evening in Bel Air,” Grenell said on the invitation.

Indeed. Make Public Safety Great Again.

This California Attorney General Primary Results 2026 map speaks volumes, and goes a long way to explaining California’s red versus blue counties.

Gates’ was one of the strongest recent Republican performances in this office.

Michael Gates’ campaign for California Attorney General has shown solid grassroots and law enforcement support but remains significantly outgunned by incumbent Rob Bonta’s war chest, according to the Mercury News.

Since entering the race in early 2026, Gates raised approximately $1.03 million leading into the primary. Total direct contributions reported around $1.05 million. 

Bonta, in the same fundraising period, raised $605,000, but his overall campaign, built since his appointment as AG in 2021, had a war chest with over $6.4 million cash on hand.

Transparency USA tracked roughly $3.5 million in total contributions and $2.9 million in expenditures for the race overall.

Gates outraised Bonta in the period after he entered the race (early 2026 through May 16), which he highlighted as evidence of voter desire for change, the Mercury News noted.

Gates has support from law enforcement groups, including the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Association PAC.