Louisiana Republicans passed legislation to abolish the elected clerk of criminal court office in New Orleans just days before Democrat Calvin Duncan was set to assume the role on Monday [1]. Governor Jeff Landry quietly signed the bill into law on Thursday, effectively ending the position Duncan won in November with more than two-thirds of the vote [1]. Duncan, a 63-year-old exoneree, captured the office in a decisive victory last fall [1].
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday to block the law from taking effect, allowing Duncan to take office as scheduled on Monday [1]. Judge John deGravelles ruled the abolition law unconstitutional and stayed its implementation for two weeks [1].
Republicans said the office elimination was intended to streamline the local judicial system and reduce costs, while Democrats described the move as government overreach designed to prevent Duncan from serving. Democrat Mandie Landry said, "We’re doing something because powerful people don’t like him" [1]. Duncan called the ruling a victory, saying he was "elated because the people’s right to vote is being honored" [1].
The sudden abolition abruptly followed Duncan’s clear electoral mandate and triggered a legal battle over the legitimacy of removing an elected official after the vote. The restraining order preserves Duncan’s right to serve while the constitutional challenges play out [1].
Duncan assumed office as clerk of New Orleans’ criminal district courthouse on Monday, backed by the judge’s decision to temporarily halt the repeal law [1]. The two-week order sets a deadline for further court hearings or rulings to resolve the dispute over the abolished office [1].
