NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans man wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for three decades, has won the election to become the city’s chief criminal court record keeper, securing 68% of the vote against his opponent, incumbent Darren Lombard.
Duncan's conviction for a fatal shooting in 1981 was overturned in 2021 after he uncovered evidence of police misconduct, including false testimony. Despite facing challenges from the Attorney General and his opponent who continued to assert his guilt, Duncan’s victory reflects broad support for his commitment to justice.
In the October primary election, Duncan had secured 47% of the votes, leading to a runoff with Lombard, who had 46%. While Lombard had backing from the mayor-elect and other influential figures, Duncan’s grassroots campaign focused on justice reform and transparency in court records.
Following the election, Duncan received congratulations from Lombard, who pledged to support a smooth transition. Duncan, now a legal advocate, aims to improve the management of court documents and ensure that records are treated with dignity.
Throughout his wrongful incarceration, Duncan became a legal expert, helping other inmates challenge their convictions. In 2020, his advocacy contributed to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that put an end to non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon, two states that had maintained the practice, which had roots in the Jim Crow era.
Despite New Orleans' court system still relying heavily on paper files, with efforts underway to digitize records, Duncan is determined to reform how court documentation is handled. His first priority as clerk will be ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and that necessary court documents are accessible to those who need them.
