California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates joined “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni during a visit to Fresno, discussing California agriculture, public safety, labor issues, constitutional rights and his campaign for attorney general.
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.
“I love the Central Valley,” Gates said, pointing to agriculture, oil and the area’s history.
Gates Focuses on Law and Order
A major focus of the interview was public safety and what Gates described as the need to restore “law and order” in California.
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.
Gates also connected those issues to California’s agricultural and business communities, saying that greater stability and enforcement would benefit farmers, agricultural workers, retailers and other businesses.
For farmers and agricultural workers, Gates delivered a message of political participation, telling them he believes California can change through new leadership in Sacramento.
“California está rota,” Gates said, before telling listeners, “La comunidad latina puede rescatar California.”
He encouraged farmers, laborers, friends and neighbors to vote in the upcoming election.
Constitutional Rights and the Second Amendment
Gates also emphasized his support for constitutional rights, specifically mentioning the First and Second Amendments.
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.
That is a campaign position expressed by Gates during the interview.
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.
Fighting Fraud and Government Waste
Gates also promised an aggressive approach to what he described as government fraud, waste and abuse.
He said he would pursue accountability through the criminal justice system and seek to recover taxpayer money that had been improperly spent or obtained.
The candidate argued that the attorney general’s office has an important role in protecting taxpayers and enforcing the law.
A Message to California Voters
As the interview concluded, Gates urged Californians not to become discouraged about their ability to influence the state’s direction.
He encouraged voters to participate in the election and bring their friends and neighbors into the process. Gates also argued that the attorney general’s race deserves significant attention because of the office’s responsibility for law enforcement and legal matters affecting the state.
For California’s 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.
About Michael Gates
The California Secretary of State’s 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’ campaign biography says he served as Huntington Beach City Attorney for 10 years after winning citywide elections in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Campaign website: Gates4AG.com
Want to hear Gates make the case in his own words? Listen to the full “Ag Meter” interview with Nick Papagni and Michael Gates for the complete discussion on California agriculture, public safety, constitutional rights, government accountability and the 2026 attorney general race.