John MacRae Washington (c. 1797 - December 24, 1853) was a United States artillery officer who became military governor of New Mexico shortly after the end of the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848.

He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848 under Brigadier General John E. Wool, being promoted to major and brevet lieutenant colonel following the Battle of Buena Vista.

On returning to Santa Fe Washington became involved in a scandal, probably unjustified, over a child he allegedly fathered on an orphan girl.

He was welcomed by Governor Washington and Secretary Donaciano Vigil, who both thought he was unlikely to succeed and even offered to supply transport to Mexicans seeking repatriation.

From there, in 1853 he was assigned to lead a body of troops from the 3rd Artillery Regiment in California, but at the start of the journey the steamer San Francisco ran into a storm.