Race for California Attorney General could get two big names, Bonta and Gates

Voters are getting some clarity on the race for California Attorney General, with some big names confirming or strongly hinting that they want the job.

Current California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and former Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates, could be among the slate of candidates facing off in California’s June 2 primary.

Bonta was widely considered a potential gubernatorial candidate, but in recent days he said he will run for reelection instead. He cited the office’s many ongoing legal challenges to the Trump administration for his desire to stay in his current post.

Bonta also noted some recent federal actions — including last week’s shooting of Renee Good during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, and the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold federal child welfare funds from California and other Democratic-leaning states – as catalysts for his decision.

“Watching this dystopian horror come to life has reaffirmed something I feel in every fiber of my being: In this moment, my place is here, shielding Californians from the most brazen attacks on our rights and our families,” Bonta said in a statement Monday afternoon.

“My vision for the California Department of Justice is that we remain the nation’s largest and most powerful check on power,” Bonta added. “We aren’t just defending the status quo; we are securing the California Dream for the next generation. Let’s finish what we started – together.”

Gates also is interested in the job.

In a statement issued Monday, in which Gates says he will “fight for Californians as our next Attorney General,” Gates’ representatives said he would make a “major announcement regarding a run for statewide office” on Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Huntington Beach. The Huntington Beach City Council is expected to attend, along with First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and former state Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero.

Gates was elected city attorney in Huntington Beach in 2014 and held the job until early last year, when he accepted a federal role as Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

But in November, the Department of Justice fired Gates from that position “for cause,” according to records obtained by the Register. Gates insisted that he left of his own accord. Later in the month, the DOJ said it would rescind the records of Gates’ termination and accept his voluntary resignation.