HOUSTON – Harris County commissioners voted Thursday to appoint Abbie Kamin as the county’s next attorney in a split 3-2 decision.
Commissioners Lina Hidalgo and Tom Ramsey voted against the appointment.
Hidalgo said she could not support Kamin’s selection, citing concerns about how she learned of Daniel Wong being appointed in neighboring Fort Bend County.
Kamin, a civil rights attorney and member of the Houston City Council, will make history as the first woman and first mother to serve as Harris County Attorney. She is set to begin the role on June 15.
Kamin released the following statement:
“I am deeply honored and thank the Commissioners and Judge for this opportunity to serve. I will work hard every single day to defend and protect our County. As the first mother to serve as Harris County Attorney, I will fight for Harris County families as fiercely as I fight for my own –– with everything I’ve got.
“I want to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of Congressman Christian Menefee and County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, whose service and progress I will build upon. This is an office of hardworking, dedicated staff –– public servants who are committed to good government, sterling representation, and deep respect for the law. During this critical time in our nation’s history, we will protect the rights of the people of Harris County and our democracy.”
The position was vacated by Christian Menefee, who now represents Texas’ 18th Congressional District after winning a special election. Menefee is also in a runoff race to secure a spot on the November ballot.
Kamin is expected to serve in the role on an interim basis while also running to permanently fill the office.
The county attorney’s office is currently led by Jonathan Fombonne.
What the County Attorney does
The Harris County Attorney’s Office provides legal counsel to county government and represents the county in civil litigation. The office also handles enforcement matters that can affect consumers, taxpayers, and local regulations.
Officials emphasized that the role includes protecting residents from fraud, unsafe business practices, and other unlawful conduct affecting county services.
What happens next
Kamin will assume office on June 15 and will still face voters in November, where she must win election to continue serving in the role.
She is expected to remain on the Houston City Council until a successor is sworn in, likely in May, before fully transitioning into her county position.
County officials said there was no indication of any controversy or triggering event behind outgoing County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne’s departure, describing it as a standard transition.