Jon Ray Lancaster

Johnathan Ray Lancaster is an American politician from Mississippi who was born in Amory, Mississippi. Originally from Houston, Mississippi, he is involved in his community through various leadership roles, including serving as president of the Houston Touchdown Club and chairman of deacons at Arbor Grove Baptist Church. He is a mason at Houston Lodge #67 and is married to Kelly, with whom he has a son named Jon Reed.

Education

Lancaster is a product of public education, having graduated from Houston High School. He completed American Home Inspectors Training and has earned numerous professional certifications in his field.

Political Experience

Lancaster first entered politics in 2019 when he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives representing District 22 as a Democrat. He was inaugurated on January 7, 2020, representing Houston and Chickasaw Counties. In November 2021, he switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

Lancaster served as a weights and measures inspector for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. However, he lost his seat in a special election held on November 4, 2025, to Democrat Justin Crosby, who secured approximately 53% of the vote compared to Lancaster's 47%. The special election was held following court-ordered redistricting, as the previous electoral boundaries had been found to diminish the voting power of the state's African American population.