John F. Forward Sr. (October 3, 1851 – December 24, 1926) was an American Republican politician from California.

In San Diego, he worked in San Diego County's recorder office for 19 years, and, from 1892, headed the office for 14 of those years.

In 1903, Forward founded Union Title and Trust Company and, after resigning as recorder, directed it for nine years as its president.

Since that time, runoffs have been required if nobody receives a majority of the vote for mayor.

Forward was a prominent citizen, a "staunch republican," and strongly supported unions as the "salvation of the working man."