John Christian Kunkel (September 18, 1816 – October 14, 1870) was a Whig and Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

He was admitted to the Dauphin County bar in 1842 and commenced practice in Harrisburg.

He gained a reputation as a public speaker, and during the presidential campaigns of 1844 he spoke much in favor of Henry Clay.

He was chairman of the House Committee on Militia during the Thirty-fourth Congress.

His cousin was the actor, singer, and theatre manager George Kunkel.