Leroy J. Matherne, Cross-Appellant v. Charles C. Wilson, Cross-Appellees

PATRICK E. HIGGINBOTHAM, Circuit Judge:

Former Sheriff Charles C. Wilson and his successor, Sheriff Johnny Marino, appeal from a judgment for Leroy J. Matherne, a deputy, on the trial of Matherne’s § 1983 claim that Wilson fired him for campaigning for Wilson’s political opponent. Persuaded that he is entitled to qualified immunity, we reverse the judgment against Wilson in his individual capacity. We otherwise affirm, persuaded that, measured by current first amendment jurisprudence, the firing contravened the first amendment.

I

Charles C. Wilson, sheriff of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, hired…