Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana Law, Securing Clerk-Elect Calvin Duncan’s Seat
5/4/2026, 1:07:32 PM
Court Blocks Abolition of Criminal Clerk Office
On May 4 2026, U.S. District Judge John deGravelles issued a restraining order blocking Senate Bill 256 (Act 15), preventing Governor Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Nancy Landry from eliminating the Orleans Parish criminal clerk of court. The injunction lasts 14 days.
Legislative Background and Rationale
SB 256, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday, would merge criminal clerk duties into the civil clerk’s office, a move Republicans say would streamline operations, cut costs, and align New Orleans with other Louisiana parishes.
Key Figures
Key figures: clerk-elect Calvin Duncan; Governor Jeff Landry; Secretary of State Nancy Landry; Judge John deGravelles; Mayor Helena Moreno; Congressman Troy Carter; Rep. Mandie Landry; Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon.
Election Results and Timeline
Duncan, a Democrat, won the November election with 68 % of the vote, defeating the incumbent. The law, signed Thursday, was to take effect late Sunday, but the judge’s order blocked it. The restraining order lasts two weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Republican leaders called the bill an efficiency measure for the judiciary. State officials highlighted “streamlining court operations” and aligning Orleans Parish with Louisiana. Judge deGravelles found the statute unconstitutional and issued the restraining order.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic officials say the change infringes on voters’ rights in a majority-Black parish. Duncan argues the law was designed to block his office. Rep. Mandie Landry said, “We’re doing something because powerful people don’t like him,” and lawmaker called the effort “atrocious.”
On-the-Ground Perspective
Duncan, who spent nearly 30 years incarcerated for a vacated conviction, called the move “a sad thing to see the state government repeating what happened to Black public officials during Reconstruction.” He sued, claiming the law violates his constitutional rights and vowed to “vindicate the voters of New Orleans.”
Conflicting Accounts & Gaps
Republicans cite cost-saving and efficiency; Democrats see the move as government overreach. The governor has not commented, and the judge’s opinion offers limited constitutional detail. The order’s expiration and the law’s fate remain uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This ruling is about protecting the fundamental right of voters to have their voices heard. The court made clear that you cannot change the rules after an election has already taken place. Voters in New Orleans overwhelmingly elected Calvin Duncan and the will of the people should be respected.” — Mayor Helena Moreno
- “They will do what they do, and I will do whatever I have to do to vindicate the voters of New Orleans and make sure that what happened to me never happens to anybody else.” — Calvin Duncan
- “We’re doing something because powerful people don’t like him,” — Rep. Mandie Landry
- “justice seems to have prevailed.” — Rep. Troy Carter
What’s Next
The restraining order stays in force for two weeks, after which the parties may seek further relief. The civil clerk’s office is preparing for the May 16 election and a potential transition of criminal-court records, while litigation over the law’s constitutionality continues.
