He became a close ally of hetman Jan Klemens Branicki and his political group, and one of the most known opponents of the familia.

He opposed the election of Stanisław August Poniatowski, who at that time received support from the Russian Empire.

Józef Kanty spent most of his time abroad in France, where he became involved with the pro-French faction in Polish politics supporting king Stanisław Leszczyński.

In 1730 he entered military, becoming a captain or major of chorągiew unit under hetman Jan Klemens Branicki.

After the death of August II of Poland he engaged in the campaign of gathering political support for Stanisław Leszczyński.

Released afterwards, for the next few years he tried working with the pro-Russian faction but eventually was disappointed by them again after the excesses of the Repnin Sejm.