Washington Hesing (1849–1897) was an American newspaper editor and political figure primarily known for his ownership of the Illinois Staats-Zeitung and his term as postmaster of Chicago during the second term of President Grover Cleveland.

After completing his brief stint on the Chicago Board of Education, Hessing became a full time editorial manager of the Illinois Staats-Zeitung, working under both his own father as well as editor-in-chief Hermann Raster.

After his unsuccessful campaign in the regularly-scheduled mayoral election of 1893, Hessing was appointed postmaster of Chicago by President Grover Cleveland in 1893.

Hopkins pointed to his ability to secure Hessing this appointment as a demonstration of his own sway with the Cleveland administration.

[3] Hessing left his position as postmaster in the Spring of 1897 to again campaign for the mayoralty.