John A. Watkins (8 March 1898 – 26 February 1973) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Indiana.

John Watkins was born in Marion, Grant County in Indiana.

He joined the Democratic Party and in 1948 he was elected to the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana.

In this function he was the deputy of Governor Henry F. Schricker and he presided over the Indiana Senate.

After the end of his political career he continued his work in the newspaper business.