Not giving up is the message Calvin Duncan shared Monday night during his event in Mid-city.
It comes after a federal court dissolved his position on his first day.
“My reaction from this morning was that I was going to finally be able to live out a dream that’s been in the making for 40 years,” Duncan said.
Duncan said his dream to serve as a Criminal Court clerk in Orleans Parish was cut short just a few hours after starting his new role.
“I got a chance to be a clerk for like three hours, and that’s what I concentrate on,” Duncan said.
It’s been an ongoing legal saga after a federal court in Baton Rouge blocked the state from cutting Duncan’s job that was on Sunday.
By Monday morning, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that ruling and sided with Gov. Jeff Landry, who supports the role being eliminated.
“I feel like, as a voter, we have whiplash from what’s going on; he has a right to serve,” said Melody Davis.
Duncan was elected with 68 percent of the vote in November. Supporters packed his event Monday evening, which was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it was a discussion strategizing next steps.
Political analyst Ed Chervenak said this is an unprecedented case.
“It is an unusual circumstance, both sides have good arguments and it will depend on whose arguments hold sway in the courts,” Chervenak said.
Duncan said he’s not giving up and still hopes one day he can return to office.
“Honor the people’s vote, somehow, honor it,” Duncan said.
Duncan is actively contesting this ruling. His team said they are working with the Center for Constitutional Rights on this case.
READ MORE:Calvin Duncan disappointed after his role was dissolved, just hours after taking office
