John Sewell Sanborn (January 1, 1819 – July 17, 1877) was a Canadian educator, lawyer, judge and political figure.

He was elected to the 3rd Parliament of the Province of Canada representing Sherbrooke County in a by-election in March 1850.

At the time, he supported annexation of the Eastern Townships with the United States.

The annexation issue had played an important role in establishing a rail link connecting the region to Maine.

In 1863, he was acclaimed to the Legislative Council for Wellington division and he was re-elected in 1864.