John E. Nelson (born December 29, 1935) is an American politician who served as the 40th lieutenant governor of Nebraska from September 29, 2014 to January 8, 2015 under Governor Dave Heineman. He is a member of the Republican Party. Born in Geneva, Nebraska, Nelson received his bachelor's degree from University of Nebraska–Lincoln and his law degree from Creighton University. He practiced law in Omaha, Nebraska.