Louisiana GOP Moves to Eliminate Elected Office Won by Exonerated Man

Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans man exonerated after 30 years in prison, faces new battle over his elected role as criminal court clerk.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:41pm

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A dimly lit, empty government office space with a lone desk and chair, the warm sunlight streaming in through the window and casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of bureaucracy.The effort to eliminate an elected position won by a formerly incarcerated man raises concerns about voter suppression and the ongoing challenges faced by the wrongfully accused.New Orleans Today

Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans man who was exonerated after serving nearly 30 years in prison, has been elected as the city's new clerk of criminal court. However, Republican lawmakers in Louisiana are now racing to eliminate the elected office that Duncan won, setting up a new legal battle for the exonerated man.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, even after being exonerated. The effort to eliminate Duncan's elected position raises concerns about voter suppression and the ability of formerly incarcerated individuals to participate in the political process.

The details

Duncan was elected as the clerk of criminal court in New Orleans, a position that oversees the administration of the city's criminal court system. However, Republican lawmakers in the state legislature are now pushing to eliminate the elected clerk position, a move that would effectively remove Duncan from office.

  • Calvin Duncan was exonerated and released from prison in 2021 after serving nearly 30 years.
  • Duncan was elected as the clerk of criminal court in New Orleans in the 2025 election.
  • Republican lawmakers in Louisiana have introduced legislation to eliminate the elected clerk of criminal court position in 2026.

The players

Calvin Duncan

A New Orleans man who was exonerated and released from prison in 2021 after serving nearly 30 years for a crime he did not commit. He was recently elected as the clerk of criminal court in New Orleans.

Louisiana Republican Party

The Republican Party in Louisiana, which is currently pushing legislation to eliminate the elected clerk of criminal court position that was won by Calvin Duncan.

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What they’re saying

“This is a blatant attempt to disenfranchise voters and silence the voice of someone who has been wronged by the criminal justice system.”

— Marjorie Esman, Civil rights advocate

What’s next

The Louisiana legislature is expected to vote on the bill to eliminate the elected clerk of criminal court position in the coming weeks. If the bill passes, it could lead to a legal challenge from Duncan and civil rights groups.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, even after being exonerated. The effort to eliminate Duncan's elected position raises concerns about voter suppression and the ability of formerly incarcerated individuals to participate in the political process, underscoring the need for criminal justice reform and greater protections for the voting rights of all citizens.