William Waldo (January 16, 1812 – November 2, 1881) was a candidate for Governor of California in 1853.

In 1849 he joined the gold rush to California at the head of a wagon train.

Waldo put great effort into recruiting and delivering supplies for them, and became well known for his relief attempts.

In 1853 the Whig party nominated Waldo as their candidate for Governor, but he narrowly lost to the incumbent John Bigler.

Following his defeat, he returned east, first to Minnesota and then back to Missouri where his wife and children had remained.