In June 2022, Cardenas announced his intention to resign later in the year after winning a primary for a seat on the Cook County Board of Review. Abarca was one of four people who applied to fill the position for the remainder of the term, and was selected for appointment by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on December 12, 2022. The City Council approved her appointment in a 44–0 vote on December 14. She named public safety and city services as her top priorities upon taking office. Abarca was a candidate for a full term in the 2023 election and was endorsed by Cardenas, but lost to challenger Julia Ramirez.
