Mayor R. Rex Parris is a relentless advocate for tomorrow—an exceptional leader at the intersection of law, science, and public service. Since first being elected in 2008, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in Lancaster, transforming it into a model for progress, sustainability, and innovation.
A nationally recognized trial attorney, Mayor Parris brings the precision of cognitive science into the courtroom, where he has redefined how juries are persuaded and verdicts are won. As mayor, he applies that same bold, strategic mindset—whether it’s using artificial intelligence to improve public safety, championing climate resilience, or advancing public health and longevity through biotechnology.Under his leadership, Lancaster became the first city in the U.S. to achieve net-zero status, pioneering green energy solutions and forming Lancaster Choice Energy and FPH2 to deliver affordable, renewable power to residents. He’s led efforts to retrofit homes for energy independence, resulting in lower utility bills and long-term savings for families.
Mayor Parris has also driven substantial public safety improvements, including an 84% reduction in gang-related crime and a 37% drop in serious crime during his early terms. He revitalized downtown Lancaster into a thriving community hub and has continued to foster a strong sense of place where families and businesses can grow.
His work has attracted national and international recognition. The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has called him “the most innovative Mayor in America,” and GQ Magazine named him one of the ten most influential mayors in the nation.
Motivated by personal experience, Mayor Parris and his wife Carrol have committed themselves to medical research with the same tenacity. After Carrol was diagnosed with a rare lung disease, they helped launch CarthroniX, a biotech company developing groundbreaking therapies for arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and metastatic cancer. Their most recent venture, ReParris, is focused on slowing the aging process itself—bringing science out of the lab and into the lives of those who need it most.Born and raised in Lancaster, Mayor Parris’s early life was shaped by hardship.
Raised by a single mother, he dropped out of high school in 10th grade to help support his family, later attending Antelope Valley College at night before transferring to UCSB and eventually launching a legal career. His story is a testament to resilience—and to the belief that given the chance to thrive, people can achieve the extraordinary.Mayor Parris donates his mayoral salary to scholarships for local students. He and his wife have also donated millions to local organizations, focusing on helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed.
Whether in the courtroom, the council chamber, or the lab, R. Rex Parris is committed to challenging the status quo, asking hard questions, and shaping a future where innovation, opportunity, and justice go hand in hand.
