Exonerated from Nearly 30 Years in Prison, Calvin Duncan Faces Job Elimination

Fri Apr 10 2026 04:14:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Calvin Duncan, who was wrongfully convicted and exonerated, wins a major election for Orleans Parish clerk but may lose the position before he takes office due to GOP-led legislation.

Calvin Duncan, who spent nearly 30 years imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, triumphantly won the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court election with 68% of the vote. However, Louisiana's new GOP governor and legislature are quickly moving to dissolve his position, claiming it's part of a broader push for judicial efficiency. Duncan argues this is retaliation against him for his wrongful conviction and his efforts to reform the justice system, as he believes the legislation undermines the democratic choice of New Orleans voters.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Calvin Duncan won the election for Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court with a promise to reform a flawed judicial system, based on his personal experiences after being exonerated from a wrongful conviction that landed him in prison for nearly 30 years. Unfortunately, his swearing-in is now threatened as Louisiana's GOP-led government races to eliminate the position before he officially takes office.

Duncan won 68% of the public vote last November, solidifying local support for his mission to improve access to justice. However, Senate Republicans voted to repeal his position, arguing that it's part of necessary judicial system adjustments in New Orleans, a predominantly Democratic and Black area. This move has drawn criticism as an attack on voter choice, with Duncan emphasizing the need for the changes he promised to implement.

Despite the obstacles, Duncan reflects on his journey and states, The citizens of New Orleans overwhelmingly said: ‘I want to give this person a chance...’ What this law does is disenfranchise everyone who voted for me.

With major implications for justice reform in Louisiana, Duncan's story serves as both an inspiration and a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against a legal system that once failed him.