Liberty Vortex: Why New Hampshire Is Winning
“Good Morning New Hampshire.” Photo by Live Free or Die Candle Company.
Friends —
Thank you to all who sent me birthday wishes last week.
I loved the replies so much, I’m starting a new practice.
Question of the Week:
When was your last visit to New Hampshire?
(Click “reply” and share your thoughts with me.)
This is what’s happening as we build the liberty homeland for all who seek to live free:
- Who will clean the roads? Good neighbors — that’s who.
- Education Freedom Advances in the Free State. Governor Ayotte has signed a new law to deregulate homeschooling and Education Freedom Accounts hit their enrollment cap for a second consecutive year.
- Rescuing Connecticut Homeschoolers. With a new mandatory background check law that treats homeschooling parents like suspected criminals, we sent our FSP Outreach Team down to the so-called “Constitution State” to connect with families and invite them to visit New Hampshire.
- Climb a mountain with us! We are climbing Mt. Pierce on October 17 for the second annual Granite Freedom Trek. Early bird discount expires on August 30. Purchase your ticket today.
- Events worth visiting. Visit NH for the Freedom Summit (8/20-21), Family Planning Weekend (8/28-30), Freecoast Festival (9/10-12), Granite Freedom Trek (10/17), and Free State Halloween (10/31).
- Brakey Bootcamp in Maine. On Saturday, I traveled to Lewiston, ME to teach a full-day candidate school and establish new connections with liberty lovers for the Free State Project.
- A Porcupine Patron Update. Thank you to all 335 Porcupine Patrons who fund our year-round mission. Become a patron!
Weekly FSP newsletters are long because a lot is happening. Skip ahead to whatever interests you.
Who Will Clean the Roads?
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Before we go any further, I want to thank Free Stater and Porcupine Patron, Hunter Melville, for demonstrating that Free Staters are good neighbors.
In the name of the Free State Project, Hunter is donating this year to Adopt-a-Highway — keeping a 2-mile stretch of our scenic roadways clean and beautiful.
Want to see it for yourself? Look for the sign on I-89, northbound at mile marker 40.4 (just outside the rest area).
NH Leads in Homeschooling Freedom & School Choice
In New Hampshire, education freedom is advancing for homeschoolers and “EFA families” alike.
In recent weeks, Governor Ayotte signed a new law that puts New Hampshire among the top states for homeschooling freedom. According to NHPR:
“House Bill 1268 allows parents who homeschool their child to choose whether to notify the state or their local school district that they are doing so.
Annual evaluations are no longer required, and parents can choose whether to keep educational records and materials for at least two years.”
Meanwhile, New Hampshire’s pioneer school choice model — Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) — has hit its enrollment cap for the second year in a row, triggering an automatic cap increase for next year.
(For those unfamiliar, EFAs fund students instead of systems by putting public education dollars directly into the hands of families who opt out of government-run schools. Those funds can be used to cover expenses for a wide variety of alternative education pathways.)
As of this newsletter, more New Hampshire students are now enrolled in the EFA program than in any single school district within the state.
At the NH Journal, Kate Baker Demers, Executive Director of Children’s Scholarship Fund NH, writes about the success and growing demand for this school choice program:
“New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account program has reached its current enrollment cap of 12,500 students, with another 943 eligible students already waiting for an opportunity to participate…
“Education Freedom Accounts remain the subject of political debate in Concord, but thousands of New Hampshire families have been making judgments of their own, not at a polling place, but around kitchen tables and based on the needs of individual children.”
To discuss the growth of freedom and education optionality for NH families, Jody Underwood of Ed Opt joined me this past week on the Porcupine Report.
Beyond progress in the Free State, however, we also discussed a particular New England state that is suddenly marching in the opposite direction.
Porcupine Report #123: “Even More Homeschool Freedom in NH” with Jody Underwood
Eric talks with Jody Underwood of EdOpt about New Hampshire’s newly expanded homeschooling freedom and the growing range of educational options available to families. They discuss Education Freedom Accounts, private and charter schools, microschools, and the misconceptions that often keep parents from exploring alternatives to traditional public education. They also contrast New Hampshire’s approach with increasing restrictions in states like Connecticut and explain why educational freedom continues to attract families to the Free State. Learn more about Education Options at EdOpt.org.
Click here to watch the full episode.
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.
Book Your Visit with a Free State Discount:
(603) 988-0315
carol@nhindependenceinn.com
Free Stater-owned and operated, the Independence Inn helps 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, each within a one-hour drive.
The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast.
Operation: Liberty Vortex
From Connecticut to Maine, liberty is being chipped and chiseled away in the several states of New England.
Only New Hampshire stands strong — and our liberties grow stronger each year as more of the best freedom builders of New England abandon ship and join us here.
That’s why we are preparing to launch Operation: Liberty Vortex — a focused and targeted outreach effort across Northeast states, utilizing physical meetings and digital advertising, to connect regional liberty lovers with the FSP to visit, move, and build.
As we develop our regional outreach networks, I returned to my home state of Maine to teach a one-day candidate school (Brakey Bootcamp) to a full room of liberty candidates and activists. (Thank you to Maine Representatives David Boyer and Laurel Libby for the invitation.)
During the six-hour training, seventeen signed up for our Free State Project newsletter — with perhaps a few future movers in the bunch.
Brakey Bootcamp. This past Saturday in Lewiston, ME, I taught a full-day course for liberty candidates and activists on door-knocking, direct mail, messaging, and fundraising. I also regularly promoted New Hampshire as the place to go when fighting for liberty in your current state stops working.
This year, as Maine taxes rise and gun rights slip away, we have focused outreach into the Pine Tree State — connecting physically at gun shows and political conventions, while launching our first digital outreach campaign with targeted social media advertising.
Maine, however, is not the only New England state where liberty is slipping away.
Education Tyranny in the “Constitution State”
In Connecticut, homeschool parents are treated as suspects.
For many decades, the state was regarded as one of the most free places to homeschool your children, but that is no longer the case.
Thanks to a new state law, every parent who chooses to withdraw their child from a government school to begin homeschooling will be subject to a criminal background check. According to World:
“Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, on Tuesday signed Public Act 26-37 into law, greatly expanding the state’s regulation of homeschooling.
“The law requires parents to submit annual forms disclosing their intent to educate their children at home, which feeds a state registry.
“The law also mandates a list of subjects to be taught at home, including reading, writing, math, geography, and the history and government of the students’ town, state, and nation.
“If a parent wants to withdraw his or her child from public school to begin homeschooling, the law also says that withdrawal can’t occur until the school superintendent’s office conducts a background check…
“The Home School Legal Defense Association wrote that the law’s background check requirement removed the longstanding legal tradition of assuming that parents act in their child’s best interest. Instead, the law treated every family as a potential threat to kids…”
A Rescue Mission for Connecticut Homeschoolers
New Hampshire is consistently ranked #1 for freedom.
Compare NH to any other American state: you will see that we are charting our own unique course for liberty in every policy area.
Compare NH to any other state in New England and the picture becomes especially stark.
As homeschooling freedom in Connecticut evaporates, the Free State Project Outreach Team is there to let families know that “Liberty Lives in New Hampshire.”
Connecticut Homeschooling Convention. Thank you to FSP Outreach volunteers, Robert Qua and Jody Underwood, for traveling to the Constitution State on Saturday. They connected with nearly three dozen families interested in the Free State Project and education freedom in New Hampshire.
Be sure to watch our FSP introduction video:
“Live Free or Die — Start your journey with the Free State Project.”
Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman.
Events Worth Visiting
As autumn approaches, there are many reasons to visit New Hampshire.
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 summer and autumn.
NH Liberty CalendarFreedom Summit
August 20-21, 2026
Freedom Summit exists to gather the people building a more ambitious future in New Hampshire.
Freedom belongs to everyone — especially the people using it to build a better future. Freedom Summit is for people who believe the future should not be something we wait for. It should be something we build — together. Expect talks from people doing the work, workshops where something actually gets solved, and meals, parties, and excursions designed for real connection. Two tracks. Attend either day, or both. Come for the world-class attendees. Stay for the slow dinners, bold ideas, and New Hampshire adventures that change trajectories.
Click here to register for the Freedom Summit.
Family Planning Weekend
August 28-30, 2026
The Women of the Free State are hosting “Family Planning Weekend.”
It can be hard to imagine what your life could be like after a move or after your first child — so why not get a preview? Whether you are considering growing your family or you want to have children “once we’re settled,” this weekend is for you. Come explore local birth options, see our community in action, and meet the liberty families raising your future children’s best friends.
Sign up early to connect with liberty families ahead of your visit!
Porcupine Report #122: “Real Family Planning” with Nikki Sunshine
Eric talks with Nikki Sunshine about the upcoming Family Planning Weekend, an event designed to introduce prospective movers to New Hampshire’s family-focused community and opportunities. They also discuss why New Hampshire has become a destination for families seeking greater freedom, stronger communities, and more choices when it comes to raising children. Along the way, they explore the unique culture being built in the Free State, the value of connecting with like-minded families, and the many resources available for parents.
Click here to watch the full episode.
Freecoast Festival
September 10-12, 2026
Mark your calendars! The Freecoast Festival is back.
Thursday, the SHELL Clubhouse is hosting a Grand Re-Opening Party to show off its new space. Stay tuned for further updates, because we’ll be looking for RSVPs for the Friday Night Pub Crawl in downtown Portsmouth, known to be the greatest food scene in the state. On Saturday, liberty will meet at noon for a party on Hampton Beach, then head over to the Seafood Festival (buy a ticket on their website) for food, vendors, and live music!
2nd Annual Granite Freedom Trek
October 17, 2026
The Granite Freedom Trek is back for a second year.
Experience the White Mountains. Connect with Free Staters. Discover New Hampshire.
Spend a day exploring the best of New Hampshire with the people who call it home. The Granite Freedom Trek is a signature Free State Project experience designed for prospective movers, visitors, and liberty-minded adventurers. Join us for a guided hike to the summit of Mount Pierce, one of New Hampshire’s iconic 4,000-foot peaks, followed by a private after-party at Basecamp Brewing in Lincoln. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or seriously considering a move, this is your opportunity to experience New Hampshire beyond the brochures. Hike with Free Staters, ask questions, make connections, and discover why thousands have chosen to build their lives in the Granite State.
Click here for more information and tickets.
Free State Halloween
October 31, 2026
Dueling Halloween parties?
Will you choose the Quill in Manchester, the SHELL in the Seacoast, or another liberty Halloween party in the Free State (inevitably to be announced)?
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 335 active patrons. Can you help us reach 350?
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 benefits, every Porcupine Patron receives a Porcupine Patron Pin. These pins are not just for show: they grant access to 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.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Recurring Free State Events
New Mover Potluck Parties!
- Manchester – First Friday
- North Country – Third Saturday
- Upper Valley – First Saturday
Local Meetups!
- Bedford – weekly, Tuesdays
- Plymouth – semi-monthly, Wednesdays
- Seacoast – weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
- Upper Valley – monthly, fourth Tuesday
- Nashua – weekly, Sundays
- Lakes – monthly, third Saturday
- Ossipee – monthly, second Sunday
- Madison – monthly, second Saturday and third Tuesday
- Grafton – monthly, second Saturday
- Keene – weekly, Sundays
- Lower Valley – monthly, third Friday
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.
NHLA Power Hour
Our friends at the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance are now hosting a weekly meeting to network, hear from guest speakers, stay informed and help accelerate the liberty movement. You are invited.
Every Friday, AFP 8025 S. Willow St, Manchester
- 11:30 – 12:00, Networking & Lunch
- 12:00, Meeting begins
Click here to RSVP (for free lunch).
NH Liberty CalendarFree State Voices
She Quit Her Job to Fight for Your Kids’ Education – Kate Baker Demers, NH Scholarship Fund (Host: Mark Edge)
Mark Edge catches up with Kate Baker Demers, a longtime friend and one of the driving forces behind school choice in New Hampshire. Kate started the Children’s Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire in 2013 after watching families show up desperate for options for their child’s education. What started as helping a few hundred kids has grown to over 10,600 students across the state. They talk about how the Education Freedom Account program was born out of the pandemic, what it means for families who could never afford private school, and where education in America is headed. Learn more and donate at NH.ScholarshipFund.org or ScholarshipFund.org
Click here to watch the episode.
Blockchain Security Audits in the Age of AI Exploits: Sebi Banescu of Adevar Labs (Host: Joel Valenzuela)
Sebi Banescu of Adevar Labs joins the podcast to talk about the security audit industry in the age of AI-powered crypto hacks: how auditing has changed, new AI threats, and the ongoing role of traditional audit firms.
Click here to watch the episode.
Make America States Again | The Independents (Host: Carla Gericke)
What if the solution to America’s deepening divide isn’t more centralization — it’s less? Host Carla Gericke, longtime Free State leader and president of NH Exit Now, explores the case for a peaceful national divorce. From a recent candidate survey to New Hampshire’s constitutional Right of Revolution to the exploding federal debt, cultural mismatches, and the power of states to reclaim self-government, this show asks the hard questions others avoid: Is the current union still serving the people? Can we plan an orderly separation before conflict forces one? And why is the “Live Free or Die” state uniquely positioned to lead?
Click here to watch the episode.
The Granite Discourse #34 – Tom Mannion
Tom Mannion is a NH state rep for Hillsborough County District 1. He also served in the USMC for 4 years and was deployed in Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spoke with The Granite Discourse about foreign policy as well as a wide range of NH issues.
Click here to watch the episode.
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.
As Seen in the Free State
The Ducks of Newmarket. Emerging from the local river on a mid-August afternoon, these ducks also seem to love living in the Free State. (Photo by Eric Brakey.)
