Michael Gates, who has served as the city attorney for Huntington Beach for the past decade, has announced his new role as a deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division. In a statement made on Monday, Gates expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at a critical time in the nation, emphasizing his commitment to advancing President Trump’s “America First” agenda and restoring faith in the justice system.
At 49 years old, Gates is stepping into this position under the leadership of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was confirmed by the Senate just last week. Bondi, a strong ally of Trump, has indicated that her priorities will include reforming the Justice Department, which faced scrutiny during the Biden administration, and addressing issues related to election security and sanctuary city policies.
In his statement, Gates described himself as an “unapologetic supporter” of Trump, noting that he has backed the president since 2015. He expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the restoration of the nation, stating, “We need to put America back to where it was… a nation of laws.” His tenure in Huntington Beach was marked by aggressive legal actions against California’s Democratic leadership, including a lawsuit contesting the state’s sanctuary laws, which Gates claimed were unconstitutional.
Gates’s approach as city attorney often put him at odds with state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta. He gained notoriety for his legal battles, including a recent case involving California’s housing mandates, where he argued that Huntington Beach, as a charter city, should be exempt from certain state regulations.
His legal confrontations also included a significant voter-backed measure that required identification for voting, which the state challenged. Although the courts dismissed the state’s lawsuit, the matter remains contentious, with the state appealing the decision and passing legislation aimed at countering Huntington Beach’s ID requirements.
Gates, a lifelong Republican and native of Huntington Beach, graduated from Pepperdine University and Chapman University’s law school. He has a history of litigation that has drawn attention, including a settled lawsuit from former employees who accused him of age and disability discrimination.
As he prepares to leave his position in Huntington Beach, Gates has recommended that Chief Assistant City Attorney Mike Vigliotta take over his duties. He believes that Huntington Beach will continue to be a significant player in California’s political landscape, stating, “So many other cities in California now look to Huntington Beach for leadership.” With his new role in the Justice Department, Gates is looking forward to addressing national issues, asserting that restoring order will help calm the current climate.