Calvin Duncan, Exonerated After Decades, Elected New Orleans Criminal Court Clerk

Historic Election Victory for Calvin Duncan

Calvin Duncan, a man whose murder conviction was overturned after nearly three decades in prison, has been elected as the new Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk. Duncan secured a decisive victory in the runoff election held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, defeating incumbent Darren Lombard with 68% of the vote. His win marks a significant moment for New Orleans, bringing a formerly incarcerated individual into a pivotal role within the city's justice system. Duncan is set to take office in January.

A Personal Journey to Public Service

Duncan's journey to the clerk's office is deeply rooted in his personal experience with the justice system. He was convicted of a 1981 fatal shooting in January 1985 and sentenced to life, despite having only an eighth-grade education at the time. After spending 28.5 years in prison, his conviction was ultimately tossed by a judge in 2021, following the discovery of evidence that police officers had lied in court. He is officially listed in the National Registry of Exonerations.

While incarcerated at Angola Penitentiary, Duncan taught himself law, earning the moniker 'jailhouse lawyer.' He dedicated himself to helping hundreds of fellow inmates with their appeals, advocating for their rights and access to legal processes. His advocacy extended beyond individual cases, contributing to a landmark 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon. After his release, Duncan continued his education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Tulane University in 2018 and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2023.

The Campaign and the Role of the Clerk

Duncan's campaign drew national attention, emphasizing his unique qualifications to bring transparency and improved public access to the courts. He campaigned on the platform that his personal struggle to obtain his own court records highlighted the critical need for better management within the clerk's office. During the campaign, Duncan accused Lombard's office of failing to properly maintain crucial court documents, a claim Lombard denied.

The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the court, including maintaining court records, managing calendars, overseeing jury pools, and handling finances. The clerk also plays a vital role in providing election oversight for the parish. Upon his victory, Duncan stated, 'Tonight is a dream that's been forty years in the making,' expressing hope that those who died in prison due to lack of access to their records would be proud.