NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council passed two resolutions today, the first to appoint the Honorable Calvin Johnson as interim Orleans Clerk of Court, and the second calling for a special election to fill the vacant Orleans Clerk of Court position. 

Following the passage of Act 15 in the 2026 Regular Session, the offices of Clerk of Civil District Court and Clerk of Criminal District Court have been consolidated into one office, the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court. At the advice of the City Attorney and the Executive Counsel for the New Orleans Council, the Council affirms that this interim appointment and subsequent election is the best path forward that upholds the sanctity and will of Orleans Parish voters. 

The resolution that passed today will preserve the ability of the voters of Orleans Parish to elect a Clerk of their choosing in the special election to be held on November 3, 2026. Qualifying dates for the election are between July 29 and July 31, 2026.  

In the meantime, the Honorable Calvin Johnson will serve as the interim Orleans Clerk of Court. Judge Johnson has practiced law for 48 years and served for nearly two decades as judge in Orleans Parish Criminal Court, later as Chief Judge, before retiring. 

Press inquiries should be directed to CouncilCommunications@nola.gov. Legal inquiries should be directed to the City Council Executive Counsel, Ashley Becnel, at ajbecnel@nola.gov.