Houston Councilwoman Abbie Kamin Launches Campaign for Harris County Attorney

Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin has formally entered the race for Harris County Attorney, becoming the latest local leader to seek the position as current officeholder Christian Menefee pursues a congressional seat. Her announcement adds a high-profile contender to a growing field in one of the region’s most influential legal roles.

Kamin Seeks to Lead Key County Legal Office

Kamin currently represents District C on the Houston City Council. She said her decision to run stems from her desire to protect civil rights, strengthen county services, and continue her work on public safety and community advocacy.

The Harris County Attorney’s Office handles civil legal matters for the county, offering counsel to elected officials, defending county departments in lawsuits, and overseeing litigation involving public policy. As the officeholder, Kamin would help shape county actions on issues such as environmental enforcement, voting rights, and access to health and human services.

Candidate Emphasizes Experience in Public Service

Kamin was first elected to the City Council in 2019 and has served as chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee. Her work has included initiatives for gun violence prevention, support for domestic violence survivors, and efforts to expand disaster preparedness resources.

During her announcement, she noted that the county attorney role would allow her to continue advocating for vulnerable communities while addressing complex challenges facing the region. Her background as a civil rights attorney also shapes her campaign platform, which highlights legal access and government accountability.

Why It Matters

The Harris County Attorney’s Office holds significant influence over local governance. The office’s decisions can affect environmental regulations, public safety strategies, mental health services, and how the county navigates state-level legal disputes.

With Menefee’s departure to run for Congress, the upcoming election will decide who leads a legal team that frequently engages in high-stakes cases with statewide impact. Kamin’s entry signals a competitive race with strong interest from seasoned public officials.

What’s Next

Kamin’s campaign will unfold in the months leading to the Democratic primary. Other candidates are expected to announce soon, setting up a race that will likely draw significant attention from voters and advocacy groups across the county.

Early voting for the primary begins in February, with the general election scheduled for November.

This article is a summary of reporting by Houston Public Media. Read the full story here.