“Tell the people we have had whig & democrats presidnts long enough[,] we want a Presedint of the Unitd States[.] If I ever get in the presedental [presidential] chair— I will protect the people in their rights & libe[r]ties.” — Joseph Smith¹

Joseph Smith wrote to several U.S. presidential candidates in the 1844 election, but when none of them promised to help the Saints, Joseph announced his own candidacy.^2,3 He ran on a platform that included the abolition of slavery, prison reform, banking reform, and the annexation of Texas.⁴ Hundreds of missionaries campaigned for Joseph around the country.² During this time, Joseph also organized the Council of Fifty to lay the groundwork for the political kingdom of God.⁵

1. Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 3, 15 July 1843–29 February 1844

2. “Joseph Smith’s 1844 Campaign for United States President,” churchofjesuschrist.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 42, 513-514

4. “General Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States, circa 26 January–7 February 1844,” 3-12, josephsmithpapers.org; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 42, 517

5. “Council of Fifty,” josephsmithpapers.org