Michael
E. Gates

The Orange County Register reported that ballots had gone out to California registered voters and voting was underway as of October 8, 2026.

In an Orange County Register candidate questionnaire, Gates said homelessness should not be criminalized but that other laws must still be enforced, describing his approach as 'firmness with compassion.' On immigration, he said it is 'primarily a federal responsibility' and argued California should not spend taxpayer money on lawsuits merely because state officials disagree with federal policy.

LAist listed the California Republican Party, California Parents Union, and California Rifle & Pistol Association among Gates's key endorsements, along with several additional conservative and local Republican endorsements noted in a voter-guide profile.

Mercury News reported Gates raised $1.76 million during the calendar year compared with Bonta's $1.31 million, but Bonta had substantially more money on hand — $6.34 million as of September 19 versus Gates's just over $336,000.

A campaign-platform report described Gates's emphasis on public safety, enforcement of existing laws, government accountability, and constitutional rights. He pledged to fully enforce Proposition 36 and to investigate alleged government misconduct and recover taxpayer money where wrongdoing is established.

The California Secretary of State's certified candidate list for the November 3 general election included Gates and Bonta, according to a candidate-tracking profile citing the state list.

In the top-two primary, incumbent Rob Bonta received 56.6% and Gates received 37.9%, with both advancing to the November 3 general election. Green Party candidate Marjorie Mikels received about 5.4%.