Knute Nelson, also known as Knud Evanger (February 2, 1843 – April 28, 1923) was a Norwegian-American attorney and politician active in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. A Republican, he served in state and national positions: he was elected to the Wisconsin and Minnesota legislatures, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the US Senate from Minnesota, and he served as the 12th Governor of Minnesota.