By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Calvin Duncan, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent three decades in prison, was elected as New Orleans’ chief criminal court record keeper. Despite facing challenges to his exoneration from the incumbent and the state attorney general, Duncan secured 68% of the vote. Duncan, who became a legal expert while incarcerated, aims to ensure fair treatment and better management of court records. He will now oversee a system still reliant on paper files, and his election comes after a history of record-keeping issues.
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New Orleans man who had his murder conviction tossed wins election as city’s chief record keeper, Calvin Duncan, a Democrat, has certainly had a remarkable journey. Decades were spent fighting to clear his name after being convicted in 1981 for a fatal shooting. The fact that he was eventually exonerated, with evidence surfacing that police officers had lied in court, and his conviction subsequently being overturned in 2021, truly sets the stage for a compelling story. It’s almost poetic that someone who endured such a significant injustice would ultimately be entrusted with safeguarding the accuracy of official records, right?
Considering the context, it’s not surprising this victory, along with some shifts in city council seats and the election of a new mayor, indicates a move towards the progressive side of the Democratic party in New Orleans. The city has a history of being a “Southern Democrat” stronghold, often characterized by a lack of progress, corruption, and unmet promises. This election cycle marks a potential turning point, echoing a broader trend of progressive candidates gaining traction. Hopefully, this momentum continues.
Honestly, it’s almost fitting that someone who experienced such a profound injustice would be the one in charge of keeping official records accurate. The arc of his story is certainly something else. You’ve got the narrative of a black man in the South, wrongfully convicted, with evidence of police misconduct. It’s a storyline that sadly, seems all too familiar.
Now, of course, some might try to spin this. The media, especially those on the right, might jump on the narrative of Democrats “electing a criminal.” Sadly, such tactics wouldn’t be surprising given their history of misrepresentation and selective reporting. The truth often gets lost in the shuffle.
The overall sentiment surrounding this election seems to be largely positive. Given the difficult circumstances the city has been through with the last administration, having two decent choices for mayor seemed almost revolutionary.
Of course, some are probably already screaming about “Activist Judges!” (Insert sound of flashing lights and confetti). However, regardless of where people stand on the political spectrum, this victory represents a significant moment in New Orleans history and a testament to the resilience of a man who fought for justice.