Kamin, a native Houstonian, is running for the seat and faces the GOP nominee Jacqueline Smith in November's election. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Tom Ramsey were the only two to vote against it.
"I don't think this is the correct way to do this," Ramsey said during Thursday's meeting.
Hidalgo said that, though the votes are there and they have the authority to do this as elected members of the commissioners' court, she doesn't know there's necessarily a "right answer."
"It doesn't feel right. I was just so appalled when I read the news about Fort Bend," Hidalgo added, referencing Daniel Wong, the Republican nominee in November's election for Fort Bend County judge, after he was sworn in as the acting county judge following the temporary suspension of incumbent KP George. "It doesn't feel right for me to do the same thing that so appalled me."
READ MORE: Daniel Wong sworn in as acting Fort Bend County Judge amid pushback from opponents
Commissioner Lesley Briones, on the other hand, said they're making history as Smith would become the first woman to serve in the role, as well as the youngest member ever elected to the city council, and the first woman to be pregnant while serving in office.
"Councilmember 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," Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in a statement. "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."
"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," Kamin said. "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."
Republican candidate Smith sent ABC13 the statement below following Kamin's appointment:
"At a time when Harris County is facing serious legal and public safety challenges, we now have confirmation that political gamesmanship has taken priority over sound leadership.
My opponent has been appointed County Attorney effective June 15, while continuing to hold the Houston City Council seat for District C through the May 16 runoff. This decision places political advantage ahead of accountability and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process.
Her record is clear. She has supported policies that created legal risk, weakened coordination with law enforcement, and directly contributed to the loss of $110 million in public safety funding. Those decisions were driven by political partisanship, not sound legal judgment, and the consequences are now being felt across our community.
Even more concerning, this appointment places someone without meaningful courtroom experience and no demonstrated record managing complex legal operations into one of the most critical legal roles in county government.
The County Attorney's Office demands experience, discipline, and the ability to make decisions grounded in the law. Rewarding poor judgment with greater responsibility sends the clear message that there are no consequences for decisions that put our community at risk.
Harris County deserves better. It deserves leadership that is accountable to the people, grounded in the law, and prepared to serve, not political appointments that bypass the voters."
Kamin's role as the newly-appointed Harris County attorney takes effect on June 15.