They’re Thinking About Leaving Maine.

The Porcupine Post Newsletter
Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Hon. Eric Brakey
Free State Project, Executive Director

We welcome all liberty refugees from the authoritarian 49.
Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:

A Maine Exodus Incoming. As liberty hangs in the balance in the upcoming Maine elections, we connected with local activists to propose moving to New Hampshire as their plan B.

Have you Signed? Declare with us — “I am a Free Stater!” — when you sign the newly revised FSP Statement of Intent.

True Decentralization for PorcFest XXIII. From Manchester to the North Country, more venues announce programming for this summer experiment in spontaneous order.

Many Opportunities to Visit this Spring and Summer. Come see what we’re building in the Free State.
A Porcupine Patron Update. Thank you to 323 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. Become a patron!

Weekly FSP newsletters are long because a lot is happening. Skip ahead to whatever interests you.PLEASE NOTE: Some email service providers (including Gmail) cut these newsletters off. Be sure to click “View Entire Message” at the bottom to read everything.Planting Seeds for a Liberty Exodus
from Maine to the Free StateThis weekend, I went back to Maine for a two-day visit to the 2026 Maine GOP Convention.Alongside me was a fellow mover from Maine, Brent Tweed, as we ran an outreach table to Liberty Republicans — inviting them to visit, move, and build in New Hampshire.Around the corner from booths for candidates running for Governor, delegates found us at the one booth offering a Plan B if things don’t turn around for Maine later this year.

2026 Maine GOP Convention. Brent Tweed and Eric Brakey return to the Pine Tree State to invite Liberty Republicans to visit, move, and build in the Free State of New Hampshire.

After eight years of single-party rule under the Janet Mills administration—and multiple legislative rounds of tax hikes, gun control, and abridgments on fundamental health freedoms—Maine has fallen to the 8th worst state for freedom in the United States.

Everyone who loves liberty in Maine is worried as:

• Vacationland transforms into Taxationland, with some of the highest income tax rates in the country;
• Red Flag laws threaten arbitrary gun confiscation against law-abiding citizens; and 
• Maine Democrats look to nominate the architect of the state’s 2020 COVID tyrannies for Governor.

Over and over, we heard the same message from local activists and candidates alike:

“If things don’t turn around this November, we are leaving Maine.”

In dozens of conversations, over 60 people signed up to learn more about the Free State Project. 

Books were flying off the table.We ran out of copies of my new book, The Liberty Candidate’s Practical Guide to Door Knocking — selling over 100 copies to eager candidates and activists alike.Other books from the FSP — Announcement: The Free State Project and Growing Liberty by Matt Barney — also sold well and are also available on Amazon.We even sold FSP- and PorcFest-branded 30-round AR-15 magazines.These magazines are outlawed in every New England state except for two: Maine and New Hampshire. I frequently told people:“When these magazines are illegal in Maine,
you will know it’s time to move to New Hampshire.”But what stood out even more was how many people were thinking beyond politics — about where they wanted to live and build.That’s why our new “NH Bound: Live Free or Die” bumper stickers were so popular. (By the way, you can get one mailed to you for free — or an alternate version for current Free Staters — when you sign the newly revised Statement of Intent.

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Popular Swag. Maine Liberty Republicans were eager for books, bumper stickers, magnets, and AR-15 magazines from the Free State.As a retired Maine Senator and leader of the state’s Liberty Republican movement, I have not missed a single Maine GOP Convention over the last seven election cycles.It was refreshing to be back in a different capacity.Though, there were a few people nervous seeing me and Brent together in that space again… considering what happened 14 years ago during the Ron Paul 2012 campaign.

This year, several people expressed shock that I was back: didn’t I move to New Hampshire? I told them (tongue-in-cheek) that I had returned to lead those who love liberty out of tyranny and into the promised land: the Free State of New Hampshire.

This was not only a significant outreach success — it was also the first time the Maine GOP ever accepted payment in Bitcoin.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patron community for crowdfunding our booth at this convention.This is how it starts: individuals decide they’ve had enough and choose something better. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now is the time to come see it for yourself.

Run to New Hampshire! While prominent figures in Maine politics are running for Governor and U.S. Senate, I returned to invite liberty activists to run across the border and join us to build the Free State. Based on what we saw this weekend, I expect we will see new movers from Maine soon.

Be sure to check our new FSP introduction video:

“Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.”

Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman.

Declare Your Intent to Move and Build!

Last week, we launched our “I Am a Free Stater” campaign. 

We are inviting all active and prospective Free Staters (movers, natives, and those intending to move) to sign the Statement of Intent to affirm and declare, “I am a Free Stater!”

“I hereby state my solemn intent to (1) live in New Hampshire and (2) exert my fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of individual rights to life, liberty, and property.
“I am a Free Stater.”

When you sign the newly revised Free State Project Statement of Intent at FSP.org/Pledge, you:

1. Declare that you are a Free Stater,
2. Enable us to properly assign your Mover or (newly established) Native Porcupine number,
3. Update your contact information with the Free State Project, and
4. Help us connect you with opportunities that match your interests.

Already signed years ago? Sign again and reaffirm your place in the story.

Thank you to our Deputy Welcome Director, Jaime Hussey, for leading this new campaign.

PorcFest XXIII: Spontaneous Order

In two months, June 21-28, our 23rd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival is going fully decentralized.

We are embracing an experiment in spontaneous order as Free State community venues prepare to host content and activities across every region of the state.

For Festival Attendees: Visit and explore the Free State for a week of community-organized events. (1) Register for your free festival ticket and (2) learn about events as they are scheduled at PorcFest.com. Please note that individual venues may charge and/or require registration for their events.

Here are a few of the events already scheduled:

• Family Freedom Field Day, hosted by Latitude Learning
• North Fest, hosted by the Pine Clubhouse
• Man Camp, hosted by Jay Noone at the Domes
• Ten Things You Can’t Understand ‘Til You Move Here, hosted by the Independence Inn
• It Takes a Quillage, hosted by the Quill Clubhouse

NOTE: If you purchased a ticket before our format change, you may contact PorcFest@FSP.org to request a full refund — anytime between now and the beginning of the festival on June 21. (Any unclaimed refunds after that date will be considered a donation to the Free State Project.)

For Participating Venues: We encourage you to use our digital infrastructure to help organize and promote your events. (1) Add your events to the PorcFest Calendar. (2) Organize with others on the Free State Forum. (3) Send me any promotional materials you would like featured by our weekly newsletters and social media channels.

Plan Your Porcupine Vacation

For many future movers, this is how it starts.Be sure to check out our friends at the Independence Inn — and ask about a “Porcupine Vacation” for up to 50% off your stay.

Free Stater owned and operated, the Independence Inn mission includes helping more liberty lovers visit and explore New Hampshire. Any week of the year, come for a visit and they can guide you to Free State events, across five different communities, all within a one-hour drive.

The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast.

More Reasons to Visit New Hampshire

PorcFest is not the only reason to visit the Free State.Free State communities and friends of the Free State are hosting events every single week of the year, so check out our “NH Liberty Calendar” to find countless reasons to visit.Additionally, read below for several events we are highlighting for the spring and summer.

July 2026

The third annual FreedomPalooza at Chris & Jennifer’s farm will be bigger than ever! Live music, workshops, talks, beer, camping, and more!
If camping on a farm in northern NH while hanging out with old and new friends, debating politics, attending homesteading workshops and homeschooling talks, drinking locally crafted beer, watching kids explore nature, and listening to awesome live music sounds like a good time, then you have found your favorite event of the year!
FreedomPalooza started as a weekend celebration of good music and is expanding this year to more days, more activities, more campfires, and more fun that you don’t want to miss!
Space is limited, so be sure to get tickets before they sell out! 

August 2026

Free Staters are setting sail aboard the Tom Woods Cruise this August 22 – 29. 

Hosted by Friend of the Free State, Tom Woods, this cruise will depart from Boston, Massachusetts — sailing up the New England and Canadian coastlines with a journey down the St. Lawrence River — and make its final port of call in Quebec City. Included in this cruise:

Large-scale games, hosted by Tom, that have everyone in stitches.

No boring lectures on the Nonaggression Principle — instead, great talks from Scott Horton, Clint Russell, and others.

Delicious dinners with friends you haven’t met yet.

Exciting excursions on shore with Tom Woods.

While this cruise will not stop in New Hampshire, this is a wonderful opportunity for Free Staters to mix with outside liberty lovers (who could become future Free Staters, like Tom Woods himself).

I will be aboard, along with Chris Lopez (FSP Engagement Director) and other participants from the Free State community. We hope to spend the week with you at sea!

Click here for more information and to register for the Tom Woods Cruise.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons!

This entire newsletter — and the outreach you just read about — exists because of our patrons.

If you believe in our mission to build a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, I’d like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

Our Porcupine Patron community is constantly growing. Currently, we have 323 active patrons. Can you help us reach 325?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the Free State Project are tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this “Porcupine Patron Pin.” These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive FSP event perks, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 

THIS FRIDAY, MAY 1 – New Movers Potluck at the Quill!All liberty lovers are invited to join us in welcoming movers of the great liberty migration! – Recent movers, feel free to just attend — you are our guests.
– Everyone else, please bring a dish or pay the $5 cover.Dinner at 7pm, feel free to arrive up to an hour earlier to socialize. Meet the movers at 8pm. Socialize until 10pm. Stay later as a guest of a member Hosted by the Quill and your emcee, Jason Spencer!

Recurring Free State EventsNew Mover Potluck Parties! Manchester – First FridayNorth Country – Third SaturdayUpper Valley – First SaturdayLocal Meetups!Bedford – weekly, TuesdaysPlymouth – semi-monthly, WednesdaysSeacoast – weekly, Thursdays (changes town) Upper Valley – monthly, fourth TuesdayNashua – weekly, SundaysLakes – monthly, third Saturday Ossipee – monthly, second SundayMadison – Monthly, second Saturday and third TuesdayGrafton – Monthly, second SaturdayKeene – weekly, SundaysLower Valley – monthly, third FridayThis is only a small sample of what’s going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.NH Liberty CalendarFree State VoicesPorcupine Report #110: “Biotech, the Free State and the Free City.”Niklas Anzinger joins Eric to discuss how biotech innovation and alternative governance models are opening new possibilities for healthcare and entrepreneurship. He shares insights from his work with experimental regulatory environments and efforts to expand patient access to cutting-edge treatments. The conversation highlights New Hampshire’s growing role as a potential biotech hub and a testing ground for policy innovation. More broadly, it explores how emerging technologies are challenging traditional systems and reshaping the future of medicine. (Premieres tonight at 7:00 PM.)2026 NH Liberty Forum. Be sure to check out our recently released videos of presentations that took place at this conference for freedom builders. Across FSP social media, we are publishing one video each day until all content is released. Click here for all LF26 videos.

Have you ordered your copy yet?FSP Director Eric Brakey published his first book — a pithy door-knocking guide of 13 rules for liberty candidates running for local office. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to win at the door.All proceeds benefit the Free State Project.Click here to order a copy on Amazon.News from the Free State
NH Bulletin: Claremont mayor and state rep changing party affiliation from Democrat to RepublicanSeacoastonline: This town tops every place to live in New HampshireNHBR: Cindy Rosenwald, the no. 2 Senate Democrat in New Hampshire, announces retirementNH Bulletin: Bill to stop housing restrictions on dead-end roads moves forwardNHPR: Costco has plans for a second NH location at the former Fox Run Mall in NewingtonValley News: NH Republicans push audit requirement for school districtsAs Seen in the Free State
Taproom Tuesday! A beautiful spring day for all Free Staters gathering at this weekly community event in Bedford.A porcupine is always prepared. The Women’s Defense League of New Hampshire hosted a recent gun cleaning class.Who needs a government program? FSP Director Brakey went out in his neighborhood this weekend to pick up the trash littering the streets and sidewalks. Why? Because Free Staters are good neighbors!Upcoming EventsWednesday, April 29thLancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Class – Geared toward teenagers & adults, this United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Course taught by NH State Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)

Plymouth, 6pm-8:30 – Pemi Valley Porcupines – Come on over and join us liberty lovers for dinner and conversation at our semi-monthly event. Hosted by Aubrey Freedman. (Phat Boyz Wings & Sports Tavern, 57 Main St, Plymouth)

YouTube 7pm-8 –  FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube!  Hosted by Eric Brakey.Thursday, April 30thManchester 4pm-6 – Sound Money Business Networking – The goal of the group is to create a parallel economy in NH that transacts in Gold and Silver Payment.  Currently offering bi-weekly Sound Money Business Networking designed to overcome Gresham’s law with quality referrals for business owners and sales professionals. Hosted by John Nelson. (1800 Elm St, Manchester, Second Floor Conference Room)

Manchester, 6pm-11 – Arts & Crafts Club – Come join our new Art/crafting club! Bring your current project or just to hang out and talk to other makers! Byob and snacks to share if you like! Supervised children are welcome! Hosted by Lady Jane. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)Friday, May 1stManchester, 12pm-1 – Liberty Power Hour – a new weekly NHLA event built for serious liberty activists and legislators who want real briefings and real action, not fluff. Networking and organizing every week to effectively advance freedom in NH. Lunch provided by AFP, please RSVP for ordering purposes. Hosted by Pedro & Shawn. (AFP Office, 8025 S. Willow, Manchester)

Manchester, 7pm-10 – New Mover Potluck – All liberty lovers are invited to come on down to welcome movers of the great liberty migration. Join us as we welcome home movers old and new to the largest and longest running monthly event in New Hampshire.  New movers eat free!  (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)Saturday, May 2ndManchester, 11:30am-1pm – Merrimack Valley Porcupines – Every first Saturday folks who are passionate about liberty gather for MVP, the Merrimack Valley. This month we feature “Steve Villee for Governor” and his speech, “20,000 isn’t enough to achieve minarchy”.  Hosted by Jeremy Olson. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)

Croydon, 5pm-9 – Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party – Join the Bardo crew, friends and neighbors for an evening of socializing and good food. Potluck dinner is at 5pm, please bring a dish to share. Hosted by Emily Smith. (Bardo Farm, 92 Forehand Rd, Croydon)

Sunday, May 3rdCandia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)Manchester, 5pm-7:30 –  Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)

Keene, 5pm-6 –  Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)

Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.