Washington – Michael Gates, a city lawyer in Huntington Beach for the past decade and tireless antagonist of the state’s liberal politics, has joined the US Department of Justice’s civil rights division, he said in a statement Monday. Ta.
“I took this opportunity to serve Americans at times like these to advance President Trump’s “America First” agenda, fight to restore law and order throughout the country, and restore faith in the country’s justice. To fight to this opportunity, you are deeply humbled and respected. System,” Gates said in a statement announcing his departure and his new position as Deputy Attorney General.
Gates, 49, joined the US Department of Justice. General Pam Bondy was confirmed in the Senate last week. Trump’s close ally, Bondy has pledged to bring reform to the department by investigating the president during the Biden administration. She also shows that securing an electoral system and fighting sanctuary cities is a priority.
“Voters will take Trump into office and recover much of the damages nationwide,” Gates said in an interview Monday, adding that he has been a “atypical supporter” of the president since 2015. . Take on the role of being part of that recovery. That means we need to bring America back where it was… a state of law. ”
Gates attracted attention in Orange County as an offensive litigator on behalf of Huntington Beach, frequently choosing a legal battle with the state’s Democratic leaders.
More recently, the city sued California over the state’s sanctuary laws. This was fought by claiming that the first Trump administration was unconstitutional.
Some of Gate’s lawsuits lie in Huntington Beach’s status as Charter City. Grant local power Better state law when dealing with local governments. In an incident fighting California’s housing requirements, Gates argued that as Charter City, Huntington Beach could escape state laws that it deemed to be over-reliant.
“We believe Huntington Beach will continue to play a pivotal role in the restoration of California,” Gates said in a statement. “Many other California cities are now seeking leadership from Huntington Beach. As I’ve told many in recent years, Huntington Beach is truly “a ‘free and brave home in California.” ”
At the forefront of frequent battles with California, Gates and Huntington Beach quickly became legal foils for leaders such as Gav. Gavin Newsom and California Atty. General Rob Bonta.
The state sued Huntington Beach on a city voter support scale A. This allows authorities to ask voters for their ID before voting. The court dismissed the case, The state sued Last month, Newsom signed SB 1174 to counter the measures, banning election officials from requesting their ID.
“I look forward to rolling my sleeves and jumping in and helping me,” he said. “At least in our department, when you order, things calm down.”
A lifelong Republican working primarily in conservative cities, Gates graduated from law schools at Pepperdine and Chapman University. He grew up in Huntington Beach, where he wrestled and played soccer in high school.
Gates was the subject of a lawsuit by a former employee who allegedly discriminated against elderly people and disabled lawyers. The lawsuit was resolved and one of the employees, Scottfield, lost the election to Gates in 2022.
In announcing his resignation, Gates recommended that Huntington Beach replace him with Chief Asst. City atty. Mike Vigliotta.
