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| Franconia Notch. Photo by Brian Braegelmann. |
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| Hon. Eric BrakeyFree State Project, Executive Director |
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Guns.
Porcupines.
GOP fireworks.
A conference for freedom builders.
Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:
- Campus Carry Clears the NH House — The Free State takes a big step toward dismantling unarmed victim zones at taxpayer-funded universities.
- Build Freedom in 25 Days at the NH Liberty Forum — March 5-8, 2026 — First round of sponsors and exhibitors announced. Tickets!(Discount Code: PorcPost)
- Porcupine Day X Celebrates Community Builders — After a decade of the great libertarian migration triggering the move, we honored history and awarded the first “Live Free and Thrive” lifetime achievement award.
- Rumble at the Londonderry GOP — On my outreach tour to GOP committees across New Hampshire, one not-so-friendly Republican state representative decried the “Free Stater majority” in the state capital.
- A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to our 280 Porcupine Patrons who helped fund the FSP in 2025. Become a patron!
These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening in the Free State. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you. |
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| Campus Carry Clears the NH House |
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| They call them “gun-free zones” — but common sense tells us they are really “unarmed victim zones.”Murder is already illegal, and criminals aren’t deterred by one more law.
But those with respect for the law (like well-trained and law-abiding gun owners) generally disarm to be in compliance with these foolish policies.
That’s why 92% of mass shootings take place in locations where guns are banned (according to the Crime Prevention Research Center).
On Thursday, the NH House of Representatives took a bold step to increase public safety by passing “Campus Carry” legislation by a vote of 188 to 165.
Sponsored by Rep. Sam Farrington, this bill would restore the right of law-abiding adults to carry firearms on taxpayer-funded college campuses.
Here is the video of his remarks from the House floor prior to passage: |
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| Arguments were also made on the floor of the NH House against this legislation, which many observers have since ridiculed.One representative argued that “young people lack reasoning until approximately the age of twenty-seven” and should therefore not be allowed to possess firearms.
On that basis, many have asked: does this same representative support raising the age to vote? Is this a consistent principle, or one selectively applied? |
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| Campus Carry now heads to the NH Senate.Meanwhile, in Virginia, their House of Delegates passed legislation this week to prohibit law-abiding citizens from owning so-called “assault weapons.”
(What is an assault weapon? A hunting rifle that looks scary.)
As gun confiscation looms large, some Virginia liberty lovers are looking to escape to the Free State. |
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| 250 years ago, Virginia was home to some of the greatest thinkers and builders of the libertarian American Revolution.A quarter millennium of proximity to the growing gravitational pull of the Imperial City, however, has transformed the Old Dominion from a Free State into a Vassal State.
Today, those who seek liberty move to New Hampshire. |
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| Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum! |
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In less than four weeks, we look forward to welcoming our speakers, facilitators, sponsors, exhibitors, and participants.
- On our Main Stage, we will hear from top freedom builders and thinkers from across New Hampshire and the country.We will discuss how to build real freedom for real people in the realms of sound money, nuclear power, housing, healthcare, schooling, liberating political prisoners, ending forever wars, practical politics, and more.
- In our Dialogue Room, eight facilitators will lead small group, deep-dive conversations into overcoming practical challenges on the road to putting liberty into practice.
- In our Welcome Hall, participants will engage with sponsors and exhibitors who are actively building freedom in the real world.
- In our Childcare Room, parents will be able to hire adults and teens to care for their young children during the conference. (FSP events are always family-friendly!)
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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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| Porcupine Day X Celebrates Community Builders |
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| Tuesday was our tenth annual Porcupine Day.Thank you to the nearly 100 Free Staters who joined us in Murphy’s Taproom in Bedford for our celebration of the great libertarian migration to New Hampshire. |
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| Live Free and Thrive! At Porcupine Day X, Carla Gericke (FSP Board Chair) presents the first annual “Live Free and Thrive” Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill and Gail Dominico for their contributions organizing one of the longest-running meetups in the Free State: Taproom Tuesday. |
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| Did you miss out?Thanks to our FSP Video Strategist, Reinita Susman, we captured the key remarks from Porcupine Day on video to share with you. Check them out below.
I emceed and kicked off the evening, thanking our volunteers, patrons, and sponsors, while recognizing recent accomplishments by Free Staters.
Pedro Serra spoke about outreach opportunities, as Free Staters volunteer to visit and connect with liberty lovers in other states.
FSP Founder Jason Sorens and Sen. Keith Murphy both spoke to the early days of the Free State Project, including an important question that was once asked to NH Governor Cragin Benson in the early 2000s.
Carla Gericke introduced and awarded the first ever “Live Free and Thrive” Lifetime Achievement Award — speaking to the importance of those who build the Free State by planting seeds of love and giving. |
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| Did you go home with a Porcupine Day X “Live Free or Die” candle keepsake?Our friends at Live Free Or Die Candle Company want to ensure you have their “Candle Care” instructions to get the best use out of them.
Keep that flame of liberty burning (but only for 2-3 hours at a time).
Thank you to Live Free or Die Candle Company for partnering with us on this year’s Porcupine Day keepsake. |
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| Happy Porcupine Day! Chris Lopez (FSP Welcome & Engagement Director) showcases the Porcupine cake attendees shared at the end of this year’s celebration. |
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| Rumble at the Londonderry GOP |
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| Okay, “rumble” might be dramatic, but it got you reading.For the last several months, I have been accepting invitations to speak at local GOP committee meetings about the Free State Project and how we bring reinforcements to keep New Hampshire free.
On Thursday, I spoke to the Londonderry GOP. |
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| Photo by Jane Bennet. |
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| I appreciate the committee’s invitation. Also, thank you to FSP volunteer outreach leaders, Pedro and Jane, for accompanying me to greet people, collect newsletter sign-ups, and grab photos.There were, however, some fireworks between me and a local GOP state representative.
Personally, I had an idea where this was going the moment she declared that siding with Democrats — to protect the municipal power to hike property taxes without limitation — was among her proudest accomplishments.
As she derided Free Staters and libertarians as un-Republican, I reminded her it was Ronald Reagan who said, “Libertarianism is the heart and soul of conservatism,” and that Thomas Jefferson put liberty at the center of the American experiment.
She went on to declare, “There is no Republican majority in New Hampshire — only a Free Stater majority!”
I didn’t plan for an active debate, but I will stand up for the Free State community and the positive impact of our movement whenever it is challenged.
It seemed that most of the room was with me. We received a dozen new sign-ups for this FSP newsletter!
As I wrapped up, she interrupted me (again) and urged everyone to “learn the truth” by watching the Emmy-nominated, 13-part NBC-Boston documentary series about the Free State Project.
On this, we absolutely agree.
I encourage everyone curious about the FSP to go and watch it, so I’ve included the video below.
The series was fair, well-done, and helped convince me to depart Maine and move to the Free State of New Hampshire. |
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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) nonprofit, 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 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. |
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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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| AFP-NH: “New Hampshire Brain Drain”Join AFP-New Hampshire for a fast-paced town hall exposing the causes of migratory brain drain: local zoning, permitting delays, and costly mandates driving young people away, and the proven, common-sense reforms that will unleash new housing, lower costs, and keep the next generation right here in the Granite State. Dinner and a drink will be provided by AFP-NH!
When: February 11th, 6PM-8PM
Where: The Brick Bar & Grill 2 Orchard St, Dover, NH 03820
Speakers: Rep. Sam Farrington; Matt Mayberry, President of the NH Home Builders Association
Click here to RSVP. |
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| Join In for Upcoming Events at the SHELL!The SHELL Liberty Clubhouse in the New Hampshire Seacoast hosts regular events for Free State community building.
Seating is limited for the upcoming Comedy Night with Robbie “The Fire” Bernstein. Click here for tickets.
Visiting the SHELL for the first time? Don’t get lost. Click here for directions to find the SHELL. |
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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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| Jason Sorens: “Americans prefer to live where they can keep what they earn and be left alone”Writing at The Daily Economy, FSP Founder Jason Sorens analyzes recent state migration data and concludes: “state policy regimes matter, and Americans prefer to live in states that offer more economic and personal freedom.”
Click to read the full article. |
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| The Porcupine Report w/ Eric Brakey – Ep. 99: Returning to the Black Powder PodcastEric opens the show by sharing highlights from Porcupine Day, reflecting on the growth of the Free State movement, and previewing the upcoming New Hampshire Liberty Forum. He also delivers a thoughtful message about unity, personal responsibility, and focusing on building strong communities instead of getting lost in internal conflicts.
This week’s episode features a special appearance by Eric on the Black Powder Podcast, where he discusses his new book on door-knocking and winning grassroots campaigns. He breaks down how authentic conversations, listening skills, and neighborly connections can turn long-shot candidates into real contenders. Together, these segments offer a powerful look at how liberty advances through both community-building and practical action.
Click to watch the full episode. |
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| 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. |
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- NBC Boston: Ayotte talks taxes, housing, economic development in NH State of the State
- NH Bulletin: In State of the State, Ayotte touts first-year policy wins, takes shots at other New England states
- Reason: New Hampshire House Bill 1136 would strengthen property rights and expand housing options
- NH Bulletin: Against judge’s orders, New Hampshire doubles down to end emissions testing
- WMUR: NH Executive Council rejects contract to continue emissions testing to comply with court order
- NH Bulletin: Executive Council approves $230,000 to study separating from electric grid
- WMUR: New Hampshire House passes bill to end gun bans on public colleges, universities
- Tom Woods Show: Immigration & the American Future
- WMUR: List of 2026 Winter Olympians with ties to New Hampshire
- Concord Monitor: Opinion: New Hampshire citizens demand property tax relief
- WMUR: Viewers’ Choice 2026: Best florists in New Hampshire
- Concord Monitor: Hearing scheduled for bill that would end mandatory school vaccinations in New Hampshire
- NHPR: House committee overwhelmingly rejects bills to bring back capital punishment
- Concord Monitor: Under new state law, will New Hampshire see a boom in tiny homes?
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| As Seen in the Free State |
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| Ice Castles! Brian and Aubrey enjoyed the stunning sights of the Ice Castles in Woodstock this weekend. Photo credit Brian B! |
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| Another Generation of Freedom at Porcupine Day! FSP events are always family-friendly. The next generation is always curious about liberty in our lifetime! |
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| Liberty Forum Postcards. At the monthly Quill New Movers Potluck, attendees pitched in to help address postcards inviting past Liberty Forum attendees to join us again this March 5-8. Do you have your ticket yet? |
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| Porcupine Cupcakes! Because one giant porcupine cake wasn’t enough at Porcupine Day X, we had many tiny porcupine cupcakes. |
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| FUN FACT: New Hampshire cats are naturally curious about Porcupine Day. |
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Monday, February 9th
- Strafford, 6pm-8:30 – Rose Island – Every month, Porcupines gather for “Freedom Films” – an intellectual and entertaining evening exploring cinematic liberty themes, and applying them to the free state. Whether you’re a seasoned Porcupine or just arriving and starting out, come leverage a movie to real life by doing what we love best – thinking! Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford)
- 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, February 10th
Wednesday, February 11th
- Lancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Course for Homeschoolers – 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). Hosted by Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
- Dover, 6pm-8 – AFP-NH NH’s Brain Drain – Join AFP-New Hampshire for a fast-paced town hall exposing the real barriers: local zoning, permitting delays, and costly mandates driving young people away, and the proven, common-sense reforms that will unleash new housing, lower costs, and keep the next generation right here in the Granite State. Dinner and drink provided. RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (The Brick Bar & Grill, 2 Orchard St, Dover)
- Plymouth, 6pm-8:30 – PemiValley Porcupines – Come on over and join us liberty lovers for dinner and conversation at our semi-monthly event. Hosted by Aubrey Freedman. (Last Chair Brewery & Restaurant, 5 NH-25, 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, February 12th
- Exeter 6pm-9 – Exeter Liberty Outreach Meetup – The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Jenny & Brian. (Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 93 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter)
- 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, February 13th
- 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. Normal guesting rules apply so find a member and join us! Hosted by Gavin. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Saturday, February 14th
- Madison, 4pm-6 – Carroll County Freedom Potluck – A monthly meet-up is in your area, so come on up and say hi! Please RSVP to mdj for directions or call our landline 603 367 7257 and indicate that you’re with the FSP. Hosted by Mark & Michelle.
- Grafton, 4pm-7 – Grafton Potluck – Monthly potluck for friends of liberty, i.e., Free Staters and friends, that meets monthly. Call Rich at 619.305.5172 for an address.
- Rollinsford, 8pm-10 – Robbie the Fire Comedy Night – See Robbie the Fire and his all-star cast deliver big laughs at NH premium Liberty comedy spot. Robbie the Fire Bernstein is a comedian and Co-host of the popular podcast Part of the Problem with Dave Smith. GET YOUR TICKET TODAY! Hosted by Skot Sheller. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
Sunday, February 15th
- Candia, 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, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family-friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
- 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, 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 Waid. (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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