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| The Porcupine Post NewsletterSunday, January 18, 2026 |
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| Snow sledding at Derryfield Park. Photo posted by Miranda Animus. |
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| Hon. Eric BrakeyFree State Project, Executive Director |
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| Porcupine —Liberty is a lifestyle in New Hampshire.
Each week, liberty grows in the politics and culture of the “Live Free or Die” state — and Free Staters are at the center of it all.
Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:
- Campus Carry Clears Key Committee —Legislation to abolish unarmed victim zones on taxpayer-funded college campuses receives majority support from the NH House Criminal Justice Committee.
- Scott Horton to Deliver Keynote Remarks at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum — March 5-8 — We are excited to announce that Scott Horton, Director of the Libertarian Institute, will join us as a Friday keynote speaker at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. Click here for tickets!
- Celebrate Porcupine Day X— February 3 — Join us for our 10th annual celebration of the moment the FSP reached 20,000 pledges and triggered the move to come and build the Free State. Click here for tickets!
- Architectural Digest Features the FSP — One of the most prestigious and long-established lifestyle magazines in the world shares why a certain libertarian Maine Senator left and moved to New Hampshire. Click here for the article.
- Weekend Outreach to Maine Gun Owners — Volunteers travel across the eastern border to the Pine Tree State to connect with gun owners who are rapidly losing their firearm rights.
- A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to our 280 Porcupine Patrons who helped fund the FSP in 2025. Can I count you in to be a patron for 2026?
These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you.
(Please note that some email service providers, including Gmail, regularly cut these emails short. Be sure to click “View entire message” at the bottom to read the full and uncut Porcupine Post!) |
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| Campus Carry Clears Key Committee |
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| Gun free zones don’t work.Has a “no guns allowed” sign ever stopped anyone intent on murder?
Unless establishments take full responsibility to guarantee safety with adequate security, the results are obvious:
- (1) disarming law-abiding people, and
- (2) emboldening those who seek mass harm.
That’s why over 90% of mass shootings take place in gun free zones (according to the Crime Prevention Research Center).
We may as well call them “unarmed victim zones.” |
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| After the recent shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, New Hampshire legislators are making the case that we need more self-defense, not more gun control.In most states, the general response to tragedy is trading away essential liberty for the temporary illusion of safety — but New Hampshire never falls for this devil’s bargain.
Instead, NH Free Staters understand thewisdom of “Live Free or Die.”
If you find yourself defenseless, in a moment when everything hangs in the balance, the price of lost freedom may be life itself.
That’s why Rep. Sam Farrington of Rochester (Free Stater, college student, liberty legislator, and a leader with YAL-UNH), sponsored “Campus Carry” legislation to restore student 2nd Amendment rights.
This Wednesday, a public hearing was held by the Republican-led Criminal Justice Committee.
Thereafter, a majority voted to recommend passage of Campus Carry to the full House of Representatives (as reported by the bill sponsor in the video below). |
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| This is why Bloomberg-funded gun grabber organizations complain about New Hampshire.Consistently ranked at the top of all states for 2nd Amendment rights, New Hampshire has one of the nation’s most robust Constitutional Carry laws.
Any law-abiding person over the age of 18, who is not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm, may carry a handgun (open or concealed) without a permission slip from the state, in any area where firearms are not prohibited.
That last piece, however, is where the loophole still exists: your rights disappear in gun free zones, like public universities.
That is what Campus Carry seeks to remedy. |
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We personally appreciate the free promotion that organizations, like Giffords, provide for the Free State of New Hampshire.When you see last year’s report card, remember:
- “F” stands for freedom.
- “A” stands for authoritarian.
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| Do you love liberty and want to celebrate with us the ongoing history of the most successful libertarian strategy in the world?On Tuesday, February 3, join us for Porcupine Day X — the 10th annual celebration of the moment the FSP “triggered the move” for thousands of liberty-lovers to come and build the Free State.
On this day in 2016, the Free State Project reached a historic milestone: 20,000 liberty-loving people pledged to move to New Hampshire.
Ten years later, we’re still growing, still building, and still proving that liberty works best when practiced together.
Check out event details for Porcupine Day X and get your tickets here.
Your ticket helps fuel the next chapter, supporting outreach, community-building, and the work that makes New Hampshire the freest state in the nation.
- General Admission: $50– Includes finger food, networking, celebration and direct support of the Free State Project’s mission
- VIP Admission: $100 – Includes all GA benefits, plus a limited-edition keepsake and a complimentary drink ticket.
Porcupine Patron Benefits:
- Porcupine Patrons, All Levels: Receive a free drink ticket at registration (when wearing your Porcupine Patron Pin)!
- Porcupine Patrons, Silver and Higher:You may redeem 2 complimentary tickets for Porcupine Day X. Reply to this email. We will confirm your patron status and register you for the event.
- Not a Patron yet?Why not? Join our Porcupine Patron program today!
Ten years down and a freer future ahead! Join us for Porcupine Day X and help power the next decade of liberty! |
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| Porcupine Report #95: “Porcupine Day X” with Carla GerickeEric is joined by Carla Gericke to mark the 10th anniversary of Porcupine Day and reflect on the moment the Free State Project officially triggered the move to New Hampshire. Carla shares behind-the-scenes stories about reaching 20,000 signers and the early decisions that helped accelerate the movement.
The conversation explores how the Free State Project evolved from an ambitious idea into a real, growing community with lasting cultural and political impact. They also discuss why Porcupine Day remains an important milestone for the movement today. The episode wraps with a preview of this year’s Porcupine Day celebration and an invitation for viewers to experience it firsthand.
Click to watch the full episode! |
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Architectural Digest
Features the Free State Project |
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| In New Hampshire, liberty is a lifestyle.That’s why the FSP message broke into an unexpected place this week: the January 2026 issue of Architectural Digest — one of the longest-running and most prestigious design magazines in the world.
Click here for the full article:
“When Politics Drives You From Home: 5 Americans Who Uprooted Their Lives Because of the State of the Nation.”
You can read a few excerpts below. |
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| Brakey and his wife set up their new home in Dover, New Hampshire, with plenty of help from fellow Free Staters.As he got to work, he became invigorated by the enthusiasm for Libertarian ideas—something he felt was missing in Maine.
“You watch people peter off and get dispirited because change doesn’t come,” he says. “Eventually, you feel like you’re the lone samurai standing against the hordes of statism.
“In New Hampshire, it feels like people never got the memo that the Ron Paul campaign was over. You have so many motivated and dedicated Libertarian activists.” |
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| In Maine, he says, “there’s a certain sense of despair, a sense that the boot of the government is going to keep stepping on our neck and there’s nothing we can do about it. [In New Hampshire], people are much more hopeful.”He attributes some of that hope to New Hampshire’s longtime reputation as a “free state.”
“There’s no income tax, there’s no sales tax. You have more freedom in determining how to educate your children with universal school choice.” |
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| When a publication like Architectural Digest covers a story connected to New Hampshire, it matters not because it’s political, but because it’s cultural.AD is one of the most influential lifestyle magazines in the world.
Its stories help shape how millions of people think about place — where interesting, meaningful lives are being built.
Coverage like this signals that New Hampshire isn’t just a policy experiment, but a place where real people are putting down roots and creating lives worth paying attention to.
Thank you to our FSP Director of Communications and Development, Mahgdalen Rose, for helping to secure this opportunity to strengthen New Hampshire’s brand as the destination for all who seek to live free.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL FEATURE OF THE FREE STATE PROJECT IN ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST. |
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| Build Freedom from the War Machine!Scott Horton to Deliver Friday Keynote Remarks at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum |
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| Will we see you in Concord at the Liberty Forum?This March 5-8, we are assembling a conference for thought leaders and builders to discuss the many practical ways we can build freedom, right here, right now.
This week, we’re excited to announce that Scott Horton will deliver the Friday keynote remarks.
Scott Horton is one of the most knowledgeable and persistent critics of U.S. foreign policy working today.
As the author of multiple books (including Fool’s Errand, Enough Already, and Provoked), host of The Scott Horton Show, and Director of the Libertarian Institute, he has spent decades documenting the real costs of America’s endless wars — with a level of depth, sourcing, and moral clarity that few can match.
As New Hampshire leads the nation on Defend the Guard legislation (passing the NH House for a second time), Scott will speak to why and how we can build freedom from the war machine.
Join us Friday night for a keynote that doesn’t offer slogans, but hard-earned understanding — and serious strategies for peace.
Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. |
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NH Liberty Forum 2026
Porcupine Patron Benefits
- Porcupine Patrons, All Levels: Receive complimentary access to the VIP Lounge (when wearing your Porcupine Patron Pin).
- Porcupine Patrons, Gold and Higher:You may redeem 2 complimentary tickets to Liberty Forum 2026. Reply to this email so we can confirm your patron status and register you for your tickets.
- Not a Patron yet?Why not? Join our Porcupine Patron program today!
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| FSP Volunteers Connect with Maine Gun Owners |
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| FSP Deputy Outreach Director, R.J. Waldo, led tabling efforts this weekend at the Michael Leighton Memorial Gun Show in Maine. |
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| The Free State Project and our network of dedicated volunteers are working year-round to:(1) promote broadly to the liberty diaspora to increase learning and awareness of the Free State Project;
(2) outreach and connect with individual liberty lovers;
(3) invite them to visit and experience our events and communities;
(4) welcome them when they intend to make the move; and
(5) engage them once here and ready to build freedom.
At the top of the funnel, our Outreach volunteers are creating new connections at events across New England.
Thank you to all our volunteers in Maine this weekend for the Michael Leighton Memorial Gun Show!
As the rights of Maine people are being swept away in a flurry of new laws for gun confiscation and purchase restrictions, it has never been more important to spread the word across our eastern border about the one and only New England fortress of freedom left standing. |
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| R.J. and Ryan enjoy a celebratory meal at Arby’s following successful outreach efforts — signing up nearly two dozen Maine gun owners for the FSP “Porcupine Post” newsletter. |
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| At Thursday’s calling party, FSP Welcome Director, Chris Lopez, and 2025 FSP Volunteer of the Year, Jason Spencer, review calling lists to make contact with recent sign-ups. |
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| As a grassroots organization, we always need more volunteers to help us promote, outreach, invite, welcome, and engage with liberty lovers at every step of their journey to New Hampshire.Will you volunteer for the Free State Project? |
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| Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons! |
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If you believe in our mission for 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.
We reached 280 in 2025 — and we need to keep the momentum going in 2026.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.
Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron? |
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| 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 perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project. |
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| 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 |
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| Learn about Education Options in NH!Founded by Free Stater Jody Underwood, EdOpt organizes Fairs around the state. They invite local education providers to showcase the range of different approaches to educating children that are available in their regions, from homeschooling, learning centers and activities, to private schools. Free entry. Kid activities and snacks are provided.
Click here to register for attendees and vendors (if you want a table). Share with your friends. Word of mouth is the best way to reach people. |
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| Want to Build a Porcupine Theme Weekend?Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.
Please email him — DennisGPratt — if you would be interested in participating or helping build a theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests.
- Musicians: Playing music together
- Gamers: Playing tabletop games
- Couples: Natalism / Birthing
- Politicians: Winning political office
- Historians: Celebrating the Pine Tree Riot
- Marksmanship
- 2nd Amendment: Shooting guns
- Family Freedom: Raising a free family your way
- Tom Woods Cruise: Pre Gathering
- Sailors: Tall ship schooner
- Medical Workers
- Theatre Workshops
Other ideas are also welcome. |
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Recurring Free State EventsNew Mover Potluck Parties!
- Manchester – First Friday
- Upper Valley – First Saturday
- Seacoast – Third Sunday
- North Country – Third Saturday
Local Meetups!
- Bedford – Weekly, Tuesdays
- Plymouth – Semi-monthly, second and fourth Wednesdays
- Seacoast – Weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
- Upper Valley – Monthly, fourth Tuesday
- Nashua – Weekly, Sundays
- Gilford – Monthly, third Saturday
- Ossipee – Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
- Madison – Monthly, second Saturday
- Grafton – Monthly, second Saturday
- Keene – Weekly, Sundays
This 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. |
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| Bruce Fenton, Free Stater and Bitcoin Pioneer, Mocks Durham Town Council as English Lord.At a local public hearing, he congratulated them for putting peasants in their place with rising property taxes and wasteful spending.
Millions have watched. Click here to watch for yourself. |
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Prosecute Fauci, Dilbert’s Dude Dies, Campus Carry | The Independents
Today’s show covers a lot of ground — because liberty never sleeps:
• The Dilbert creator saga: Scott Adams is dead, the internet is weird, and there are lessons here about ego, bitterness, repentance, and what happens when smart people trust the wrong institutions.
• The new food pyramid (finally): Protein and vegetables take the crown while pasta and low-fat ideology get benched. Your body knew this. Science is just catching up.
• Rand Paul and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. working together to prosecute Fauci — accountability is back on the menu.
• Campus Carry: The bill gets a hearing today in New Hampshire. Shouldn’t the Constitution apply everywhere equally?
• Tomorrow’s Spy Bill: Should the governor have her own intelligence agency? What could possibly go wrong?
• Ed-Opt eventsand what’s coming up next in the Free State.
• Porc Day X — celebrating 10 years of triggering NH statists.
Get your tix today!
Click to watch the full episode. |
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- CNBC: Led by Texas, New Hampshire, U.S. states race to prove they can put bitcoin on public balance sheet
- New York Times: New Hampshire Governor Election 2026: Latest Polls
- Seacoastonline: NH’s Ice Castles are open for the season. What to know before you go
- WMUR 9: Viewers’ Choice 2026: Best nachos in New Hampshire
- Concord Monitor: State law clears way for seniors to downsize into tiny homes
- SkiMag: Vermont vs. New Hampshire: New Hampshire Rocks!
- NHPR: ‘Campus carry’ bill has NH college students divided: Do guns mean freedom or fear?
- NH Bulletin: Medicaid premium system could bring New Hampshire up to $23 million in revenue, DHHS estimates
- NH Bulletin: As development takes off, Lakes Region asks for pipeline expansion
- NH Bulletin: As housing debates continue, Ayotte stands behind 2025 zoning laws
- Center Square: New Hampshire lawmakers seek to tighten voting laws
- NHPR: Lawmaker with ties to Project Veritas wants to allow secret recording in NH
- NBC Boston: Will NH keep its first-in-the-nation primary status? Here’s what we know
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| As Seen in the Free State |
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| Red sunset over Dover. Photo by Eric Brakey. |
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| At our monthly volunteer party, between editing iterations of graphics for upcoming FSP events, FSP Design Strategist, Miranda Animus, cuddles Alfie — a puppy belonging to volunteer Steve Z. |
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| Returning to Maine? FSP Director Brakey returned to Maine on Friday. (Don’t worry! It was just for a visit.) He accepted the invitation of Maine Rep. Laurel Libby (pictured) to record instructional videos on door-knocking for liberty candidates and activists. |
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| The weekly Nashua Meetup continues going strong! |
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| Invented in the Free State. The NH Blockchain Council shares video from the 2013 NH Liberty Forum, which featured live demonstrations of the first prototype commercial Bitcoin ATM. (The device was invented and programmed by Free Stater and Porcupine Patron, Matt Whitlock, recently featured on episode 92 of the Porcupine Report.) Today, Bitcoin ATMs can be found everywhere, but they began in the Free State. |
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| Spotted in NH this week. The ever elusive Snow Bear! |
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| North Country Winter Wonderland. Photo posted by Jaime Hussey. |
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Monday, January 19th
- Strafford, 6pm-9 – Build; Don’t Bitch (You are the Power) – Every 3rd Monday of the month, Porcupines gather for “Build, Don’t Bitch” – an inspiring evening of sharing, planning, and celebrating building liberty-for-real. Discover new projects, hear about successes, learn who needs support, and get inspired to take action. And share your freedom or other life stories!! Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just starting out, come share your activities and consider helping someone else’s! Featured Speaker: Bob Qua. Founded by Spike Cohen, “You Are The Power” rallies volunteers and money to help people unjustly persecuted, coerced, or otherwise invaded by local governments. Bob is heading New Hampshire’s “Tiger Team” and recruiting volunteers to champion NH liberty causes. Help him with your ideas for starting this effort in New Hampshire. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford)
- Online, 8pm-9 – NH Exit Town Hall – Join us on Jitsi every third Monday of the month to discuss the latest on New Hampshire Independence! Hosted by Russell Kanning.
- Online, 10pm-11 – Japanese Club – Join our weekly Discord call to practice Japanese…and swap anime recommendations. すべての日本語話者を歓迎します！ 元気な会話を楽しんでください。 Hosted by Yaro. (Discord)
Tuesday, January 20th
Wednesday, January 21st
- Lancaster, 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)
- 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, January 22nd
Friday, January 23rd
- Manchester, 7pm-10 – Big Damn Movie Night – Join the crew for a cinematic romp through the heroic and the hopeful. Expect laughter and legendary lines. Bring snacks, bring friends, bring your inner hero… just don’t bring chatter once the lights go down. Join us. Members only. Normal guesting rules apply. Hosted by Gavin. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Saturday, January 24th
- Barrington, 1:30-2:30 – Seacoast Firearms Meetup – Meet up and shoot at Renaissance Arms indoor range in Barrington. Range fees and ammo are the responsibility of each participant. Hosted by Jeff Russo. (Renaissance Firearms, 55 Calef Hwy, Barrington)
- Manchester, 2pm-5 – Manchester Marketplace – Join us for our monthly community market and farm share pick-up! Get some shopping done from your fav local porcupines #shoplibertylocal Hosted by Emily Smith. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Rollinsford, 6pm-10 – SHELL Poker Night – Join Freecoasters for Poker at the Shell. Buy in is just $10 and we encourage you to bring snacks, BYOB. Donations to the Shell are appreciated! The fun runs from 6 to 10pm. Don’t miss out on socializing! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)
Sunday, January 25th
- Litchfield, 10am-2pm – WDL -NH Gun Cleaning Class – Members Only – This class will bring you through how to take apart your firearm, clean it properly and then put it back together! events as space is limited. Hosted by the Women’s Defense League. (Londonderry Fish & Game Club, 5 Lund St, Litchfield)
- Manchester, 11am-2pm – Anarchist Book Club – We will be discussing On Civil Disobedience by Thoreau and Arendt. This is an open event, so invite your friends! Hosted by Sam B. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Manchester, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
- Litchfield, 2:30pm-5:30 – WDL -NH Defensive Spray Training – The Defensive Spray Training will teach women how to safely and accurately use pepper spray. The class is $25 for members of the League and $30 for non-members. You will receive a student guide and will be able to purchase pepper spray at the class if you choose. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the class. Sign up Today! Hosted by the Women’s Defense League. (Londonderry Fish & Game Club, 5 Lund St, Litchfield)
- 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.
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