John P. Stockton (August 2, 1826-January 22, 1900) was a New Jersey politician who served in the United States Senate as a Democrat. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Stockton was the son of Robert F. Stockton, grandson of Richard Stockton (1764-1828) and the great-grandson of Richard Stockton (1730-1781), both prominent New Jersey politicians. He graduated from Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, where he studied law.
Stockton's first foray into politics was as U.S. Minister to the Papal States (1858-1861). After returning to New Jersey to practice law for four years, he was appointed to the Senate. His first tenure lasted barely a year before his seat was declared vacant. This was a common occurrence when divided state legislatures failed to agree on Senate representation. He returned to the Senate, this time for a full six-year term, in 1869.
Stockton died in New York City in 1900 at the age of 73.
