NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Calvin Duncan, a man who fought tirelessly for justice after spending three decades in prison for a conviction later deemed wrongful, has been elected as the city’s new Clerk of Criminal Court.
Duncan, who uncovered lies and false evidence surrounding his 1981 murder conviction, won with 68% of the vote in the runoff election on November 15, 2025, despite challenges to his integrity from state authorities and his opponent, Darren Lombard.
After being exonerated by a judge in 2021, Duncan has since been recognized in the National Registry of Exonerations. He expressed gratitude to voters, promising to ensure the fair treatment of all individuals within the court system.
Throughout his time in prison, Duncan became a legal advocate, helping other inmates navigate the complexities of the law. His efforts contributed to significant legal changes, including influencing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon.
Despite his triumph, Duncan’s path was marred by allegations from his opponent, who claimed that Duncan was still guilty of the original crime. However, more than 160 legal professionals signed a public letter affirming Duncan's exoneration and innocence.
Now, as the newly elected Clerk, Duncan aims to update New Orleans' criminal court record-keeping practices, as the system still largely relies on paper files. He envisions a digitized record system to better serve the community and uphold the integrity of legal documents.
The transition follows a tumultuous election in which Duncan narrowly forced a runoff against Lombard after securing 47% of the vote in the October primary.
Calvin Duncan’s remarkable journey from wrongful conviction to elected office has sparked renewed discussions about the justice system and the need for reform to prevent future injustices.
