John Carson was born in Belfast in 1934. He owned a drapery shop in Duncairn Gardens in north Belfast.

Carson was elected to the Belfast Council in 1973, representing the Ulster Unionist Party. He served on the council continuously for twenty-four years.

In 1974, Carson was elected as an MP, representing the United Ulster Unionist Coalition. He held the seat until 1979, when he was deselected. Carson was elected as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1982, topping the poll in North Belfast.

Carson was appointed High Sheriff of Belfast in 1978 and was awarded a CBE in 1981.