Calvin Duncan Leads Race for Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk

This story was originally published by Verite News; For more Oct. 11 election results, click here.

The so-called jailhouse lawyer Calvin Duncan received more votes than any othre candidate in the Election Day race to become the next Clerk of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and will compete in a runoff against incumbent Darren Lombard.

With 100% of precincts reporting on Saturday night (Oct. 11), Duncan secured 47% of the vote. Lombard received 33%, setting the stage for a November 22 runoff election. Other candidates in the race included Austin Badon, who received 13% of the vote, and Tyronne Lawson, with 7%.

Duncan, who has been incarcerated for over two decades, has become a well-known figure in New Orleans legal circles for his work assisting fellow inmates with their cases. He ran on a platform of improving access to justice and reforming the court system. His campaign, fueled by grassroots support and the “Fair Chance” amendment, resonated with voters seeking change.

The “Fair Chance” amendment, which passed on Saturday, aims to reduce barriers to employment for people with criminal records. Duncan’s advocacy for this amendment likely boosted his visibility and appeal among voters.

Lombard, the current Clerk of Court, has served in the position as 2014. He campaigned on his experience and record of modernizing the court’s operations. Though, he faced criticism over issues such as long wait times and accessibility of court records.

The runoff election on November 22 promises to be a closely watched contest, pitting Duncan’s message of reform against Lombard’s emphasis on experience and stability. The outcome will considerably impact the administration of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Key takeaways

• Calvin Duncan, a jailhouse lawyer, is heading to a runoff election for Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk.
• Duncan received 47% of the vote, leading all candidates in the initial election.
• Incumbent Darren Lombard will be his opponent in the November 22 runoff, having secured 33% of the vote.
• The “Fair Chance” amendment, which passed on Saturday, likely contributed to Duncan’s strong showing.
• The election highlights a desire for reform within the Orleans Parish criminal justice system.

Publication Date: 2025/10/12 17:20:48