Harris County Commissioners Court approved a motion by Commissioner Lesley Briones to appoint Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin as the next Harris County Attorney. Kamin will be the first woman and mother to serve in the role, leading the chief civil law office for Texas’ largest county and the third-largest county in the country.

A native Houstonian, Kamin brings a wealth of experience as a civil rights advocate, a general litigation attorney, a nonprofit leader, and a trusted public servant.  

Kamin began her law career as a civil rights attorney, challenging discriminatory voting laws and fighting for voting rights. She went on to serve as the Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League, working with law enforcement, faith leaders, and local government. As a Houston City Council Member, she led the creation of the city’s first paid parental leave policy, championed local law enforcement and public safety funding, and stood up for equal rights for all Houston residents.  

Kamin earned her Juris Doctor from American University’s Washington College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University. 

“Council Member Abbie Kamin will relentlessly advance justice as Harris County Attorney. She will defend the rule of law, strengthen public safety, and fight for our rights, our families, and our communities. Her experience as a civil rights attorney, a nonprofit leader, a mom, and a public servant makes her uniquely qualified to lead this crucial office,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “As the first woman to serve as Commissioner for Precinct 4 and as the first mother elected in her own right to serve on Commissioners Court, it gives me deep pride to champion Council Member Kamin's appointment and to witness her become the first female Harris County Attorney. She is making history today and as our counsel will make sure Harris County is on the right side of history.” 

On Houston City Council, Kamin represented nearly 250,000 residents in District C, including neighborhoods hit hardest by repetitive flooding. She led efforts to strengthen public safety and invest in resilient infrastructure, securing millions of dollars for neighborhood street and drainage improvements. 

The youngest member ever elected to City Council, and first woman to be pregnant while serving in office, she championed policies supporting women and families, including establishing the City’s first prenatal wellness and paid parental leave policies. 

Council Member Kamin also authored ordinances to strengthen the city’s nuisance noise policies and efficient response to repeat-offender bad-actor bars that create a public safety risk for residents and surrounding neighborhoods. 

“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.” said Abbie Kamin, newly appointed Harris County Attorney. 

“Council Member Kamin’s appointment builds on the strong foundation laid by former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and Interim County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne. I look forward to her continuing the County’s commitment to advancing justice and protecting all Harris County families,” said Commissioner Briones.  

Kamin’s appointment takes effect June 15, 2026.