Well before Romney, Mormon founder ran for president

For all the political hubbub over Mormonism, you might have thought Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman are the first Mormons to run for president.

In fact, 11 Latter-day Saints have campaigned for the White House, including the faiths founder, Joseph Smith.

A barrage of bullets cut short Smiths campaign in 1844. He was the first presidential candidate to be assassinated, according to historian Newell G. Bringhurst.

Some of the obstacles Smith faced, however, live on.

Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content