John Winchester Dana (June 21, 1808 – December 22, 1867) was an American businessman, diplomat and Democratic politician in the U.S. state of Maine.

No candidate received a majority of the vote; the Democratic dominated Legislature selected Dana.

[8] On March 10, 1859, Dana resigned his position and returned to Maine to run for governor.

He was defeated by Israel Washburn Jr. After losing the election, Dana sold his property and moved to South America to raise sheep.

[9] While assisting in a plague stricken area, Dana contracted cholera in Argentina and died in Rosario, Santa Fe.