Louisiana Republicans Push to Consolidate New Orleans Court Clerk Positions

Proposal aims to reduce courts and judicial representation in majority-Black, Democratic stronghold

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic office space with a lone desk and chair, the room bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the uncertainty surrounding the future of New Orleans' court administration.The proposed consolidation of New Orleans' court clerk positions casts a shadow over the newly elected official's ability to administer elections in the city.New Orleans Today

Louisiana lawmakers have advanced a bill to merge the separate criminal and civil clerk of court offices in Orleans Parish into a single position, part of a broader Republican effort to shrink the court system in New Orleans. The proposal would eliminate the newly elected position of Calvin Duncan, a formerly wrongfully convicted attorney, sparking concerns over election administration and potential legal challenges.

Why it matters

The move to consolidate court clerk positions in New Orleans is seen as part of a larger Republican strategy to reduce the city's judicial representation, which is majority-Black and Democratic. Critics warn the measure could disrupt election administration and faces legal challenges if enacted.

The details

The House Committee on Judiciary voted 8-5 to advance a bill by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, that would end the separate criminal and civil clerk of court offices in Orleans Parish. Another Morris proposal would combine Orleans' two state district courts and drastically reduce the number of judges. He also has a bill to cut back Orleans' representation on the state's Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.

  • The House Committee on Judiciary voted on the bill on April 17, 2026.
  • The bill would eliminate the newly elected position of Calvin Duncan, who is set to assume office on May 4, 2026.
  • The May 16 party primaries and June runoffs in New Orleans could be impacted if the bill gains full approval before Duncan takes office.

The players

Calvin Duncan

A formerly wrongfully convicted attorney who was elected clerk of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in November 2025. He spent decades in prison for a murder he did not commit before being exonerated.

Sen. Jay Morris

A Republican state senator from West Monroe who introduced the bill to consolidate the Orleans Parish clerk of court offices.

Liz Murrill

The Republican Louisiana Attorney General who threatened to charge Calvin Duncan with perjury when he sought compensation for his wrongful imprisonment.

Leon Cannizzaro

The former Orleans District Attorney who is now the head of the Attorney General's criminal division, and who was involved in Calvin Duncan's case in the 1980s.

Chelsea Richard Napoleon

The Orleans Civil Court clerk since 2018 who would assume the criminal clerk's duties if the bill becomes law.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This bill tells them exactly what they had believed before I talked to them, that their votes don't count.”

— Calvin Duncan, Newly Elected Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk

“Maybe the timing is not ideal. I'll admit that.”

— Sen. Jay Morris, Bill Sponsor

“It's unfortunate that I don't think you're going to be successful today, but I do think you're going to be successful downtown.”

— Rep. Candace Newell, Democratic State Representative

What’s next

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. If passed, it would then go to the governor for signature. Legal challenges are expected if the measure becomes law.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader Republican effort to reduce the influence of New Orleans, a majority-Black, Democratic stronghold, by consolidating the city's court system and clerk positions. The move has sparked concerns over election administration and faces potential legal battles.