California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates<\/strong> joined \u201cThe Ag Meter<\/em>\u201d Nick Papagni<\/strong> during a visit to Fresno, discussing California agriculture, public safety, labor issues, constitutional rights and his campaign for attorney general.<\/p>\n Gates, a Republican candidate for attorney general, told Papagni that he has longstanding ties to the Central Valley. Although he is from Southern California, Gates said his previous work as a private attorney representing trucking companies brought him to the region frequently.<\/p>\n \u201cI love the Central Valley,\u201d Gates said, pointing to agriculture, oil and the area\u2019s history.<\/p>\n A major focus of the interview was public safety and what Gates described as the need to restore \u201claw and order\u201d in California.<\/p>\n Gates criticized incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, arguing that California needs stronger enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability. He said that, if elected, he would make public safety and support for law enforcement major priorities.<\/p>\n Gates also connected those issues to California\u2019s agricultural and business communities, saying that greater stability and enforcement would benefit farmers, agricultural workers, retailers and other businesses.<\/p>\n For farmers and agricultural workers, Gates delivered a message of political participation, telling them he believes California can change through new leadership in Sacramento.<\/p>\n \u201cCalifornia est\u00e1 rota,\u201d Gates said, before telling listeners, \u201cLa comunidad latina puede rescatar California.\u201d<\/p>\n He encouraged farmers, laborers, friends and neighbors to vote in the upcoming election.<\/p>\n Gates also emphasized his support for constitutional rights, specifically mentioning the First and Second Amendments.<\/p>\n He said that, if elected, he would send a notification to all 58 California sheriffs concerning concealed-carry permits. Gates said sheriffs who do not issue permits within 90 days would be violating the Second Amendment.<\/p>\n That is a campaign position expressed by Gates during the interview.<\/p>\n Gates said his campaign is focused on issues he believes appeal to voters across the political spectrum, including reducing crime, fighting corruption, protecting constitutional rights and supporting law enforcement.<\/p>\n Gates also promised an aggressive approach to what he described as government fraud, waste and abuse.<\/p>\n He said he would pursue accountability through the criminal justice system and seek to recover taxpayer money that had been improperly spent or obtained.<\/p>\n The candidate argued that the attorney general\u2019s office has an important role in protecting taxpayers and enforcing the law.<\/p>\n As the interview concluded, Gates urged Californians not to become discouraged about their ability to influence the state\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n He encouraged voters to participate in the election and bring their friends and neighbors into the process. Gates also argued that the attorney general\u2019s race deserves significant attention because of the office\u2019s responsibility for law enforcement and legal matters affecting the state.<\/p>\n For California\u2019s agricultural community, the interview offered Gates an opportunity to directly address farmers and agricultural workers about the issues he says are central to his campaign.<\/p>\n The California Secretary of State\u2019s 2026 voter information materials identify Michael E. Gates as the Republican candidate for California attorney general. His campaign describes him as a trial attorney and former Huntington Beach city attorney. Gates\u2019 campaign biography says he served as Huntington Beach City Attorney for 10 years after winning citywide elections in 2014, 2018 and 2022.<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/agnetwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Michael-Gates_8353-633x1024.jpeg\")
Gates Focuses on Law and Order<\/h5>\n
Constitutional Rights and the Second Amendment<\/h5>\n
Fighting Fraud and Government Waste<\/h5>\n
A Message to California Voters<\/h5>\n
About Michael Gates<\/h5>\n