John Cooper

John R. Cooper Sr. (January 1, 1911 – September 16, 1991) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 1st district from 1959 to 1961. He was the 1960 Republican nominee for Governor, losing to Frank B. Morrison.

Early career Cooper was born in Humboldt, Nebraska, in 1911. He attended the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University, and served on the Humboldt City Council for three terms. one of the state's largest feed manufacturers. Cooper placed first in the primary by a wide margin, winning 59 percent of the vote to Heim's 41 percent. He won the general election over Heim, winning 59–41 percent. He faced a crowded field in the Republican primary, including former U.S. Senator Hazel Abel and state senators Terry Carpenter and Dwain Williams. Cooper won the primary election, winning 38 percent of the vote to Abel's 24 percent, Carpenter's 16 percent, and Williams's 15 percent.

In the general election, Cooper faced attorney Frank B. Morrison, the Democratic nominee for Governor. Morrison narrowly defeated Cooper, winning 52–48 percent. Following the defeat, Cooper returned to the O. A. Cooper Company.

Death Cooper died on September 16, 1991.