We bring the reinforcements.
DATE: Friday, October 24, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
I believe in making friends with all who cherish freedom.
This week, I was honored to accept an invitation to speak at the Hollis Town Republican Committee.
To a packed hall of fifty, I aimed to dispel some myths being spread by left-wing activists — as they have toured Democrat committee meetings across the state — blaming the FSP for everything they hate about New Hampshire.
Of course, the Free State Project is a non-partisan organization.
That said, many Free Staters, upon moving to New Hampshire, have run for office as Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians over the last two decades.
While Free State Democrats were chased out of office by their own party or otherwise forced to bend the knee to statism, Free State Republicans have become the single most powerful driving legislative force inside the NHGOP.
I shared with the audience my own background in Republican politics — coming of age during the Tea Party, serving on the Ron Paul 2012 campaign, becoming the youngest state senator in America at the age of 26, and working to advance freedom in Maine over a dozen years.
Then I shared with them the bad news: Maine has fallen, like so many other New England states around us.
Massachusetts was once a hotbed for the American revolution. Now, it is the holy land for Elizabeth Warren-style progressive nanny statism.
Vermont was once the most conservative state in America. Now, it is the symbol of American socialism with Bernie Sanders as its mascot.
Maine competed with New Hampshire for a decade in the advancement of liberty, but one bad election in 2018, determined by a few hundred votes, gave trifecta control of the House, Senate, and Governorship to an increasingly authoritarian Democrat Party.
In the eight years since under one-party control under Gov. Janet Mills, COVID tyranny, tax hikes, welfare expansions, new gun control laws, weakening election integrity laws, and the elimination of childhood vaccine exemptions have driven freedom-loving families away from the state as waves of newcomers seeking statism arrived in Southern Maine. It is hard to see now if Maine can ever depart the road to serfdom.
Click here to watch our video calling out the failures of statism in Maine.
Only New Hampshire still stands in New England — our one Granite Fortress of Freedom — a refuge for all liberty lovers who have lost hope that freedom can be restored in their home states.
I communicated to these local Republicans that we are bringing reinforcements to Keep New Hampshire Free.
We have already welcomed many liberty leaders over the years who are doing just that today in the Free State — like Republican Congressional candidate Lily Tang Williams, House GOP Majority Leader Rep. Jason Osborne, and Defend the Guard policy champion Rep. Tom Mannion.
Following my remarks, I took several questions from attendees. The questions were friendly and I am told the event had a larger turnout than usual.
We also passed around a sign-up sheet for our weekly newsletter and invited everyone to join us for our upcoming "Free State Political Leadership Workshop" on November 8th.
I even met some attendees who moved to New Hampshire for the Free State Project, but were never counted because they had never before connected with us.
All in all, it was a great outreach success.
Free State
Political Leadership Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
***SOLD OUT!***
(But hoping to expand.)
Securing our freedoms will not happen by accident.
Every liberty lover must be armed with (1) an understanding of the real nature of politics and (2) the skills to make the men and women in the political arena work for your causes, not against them.
That's why the Free State Project is hosting a one-day political leadership workshop in Concord, NH with a masterful instructor from the Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership.
This workshop is open to all liberty lovers in New Hampshire or traveling from nearby states. From zero experience to elected state representatives — all experience levels are welcome.
Thank you to all who have registered from New Hampshire and nearby states. We look forward to seeing you on November 8th.
At this point, this event is fully sold out — but we are hoping to expand and offer more seats.
We are looking for a bigger space to accommodate the high demand for this workshop, so please watch for updates if you've missed the chance to register.
Missed out on tickets? Email pedro@fsp.org to join the waiting list—if enough of you are interested, we’ll secure a larger venue to make room for more!
If demand remains high for these kinds of training opportunities, however, we may also host more in the future. Please let us know if you would like the FSP to host more opportunities like these!
More Outreach This Weekend
FSP Outreach Volunteers have been on a roll since our first New England Outreach event this August at the Augusta Gun Show in Maine. We've added hundreds of new freedom-lovers to our contact lists, empowering us to invite new people to visit and experience the Free State communities of New Hampshire.
This weekend, FSP outreach volunteers are going out to connect with more freedom-lovers at events that bring visitors to New Hampshire.
If you happen to visit the Rochester Gun Show or the Laconia Pumpkin Festival this weekend, be sure to stop by and say hello!
We could still use a few volunteers to fill out our ranks at the gun show.
If you'd like to help volunteer this Saturday (tomorrow), please contact our Outreach Director, Pedro Serra: pedro@fsp.org.
Porcupine Patron Update
If you believe in our mission for a libertarian 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" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.
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 currently have 220 active patrons and we want to reach 300 by the end of this year.
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.
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!
TONIGHT — Artsy Fartsy returns to the Quill Liberty Clubhouse in Manchester.
At 6:00 PM, come for an open social with your fellow Free Staters.
At 8:00 PM, the show begins with artistic sharings from the community, including music, poems, rants, stories, and other creative offerings.
Hope to see you there!
Native Free Stater, Derek Proulx, and his Hungarian girlfriend, Sara, will be teaching Hungarian folk dancing on Friday, October 24 from 7-9pm in Manchester.
It's a lot of fun and they will break it down for beginner dancers. They are asking $10 to cover the space rental (but could be less depending on how many attend).
On Halloween Night — Friday, October 31st at 8:00 PM — where better to celebrate than the New Hampshire Freecoast?
Join us at the SHELL Liberty Clubhouse for an "80s Horror Flick" Halloween Party with DJ Active Debutante.
(PLEASE NOTE: This event was previously scheduled for Nov. 1 and was rescheduled to avoid conflicting with a comedy night taking place that night with Robby the Fire Bernstein.)
This November 9th, several friends with the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire are running in the Manchester City Marathon.
Under the team name, "LPNH for Defend The Guard," they are seeking to raise support and awareness for legislative efforts to bring our state National Guard troops home from foreign wars not declared by Congress.
If you would like to run with the team, email Rachel Goldsmith (or send her a text message at the number below) for details: goldsmithrd@gmail.com.
Recurring Free State Events
New Mover Potluck Parties!
Manchester - First Friday
Upper Valley - First Saturday
Seacoast - Third Sunday
North Country - Third Saturday
Local Meetups!
Manchester - 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
Lancaster - Monthly, third Saturday
Ossipee - Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
Madison - Monthly, second Saturday
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.
Free State Voices
Porcupine Report #85: “Bolton Behind Bars?” with Jack Hunter
Eric welcomes back political commentator Jack Hunter for a wide-ranging discussion on liberty and current national events. They begin by celebrating the potential downfall of former national security advisor John Bolton, calling it long-overdue justice for his role in past foreign policy disasters. The two dive into Donald Trump’s recent attacks on liberty-minded figures like Rand Paul and Thomas Massie, questioning Trump’s priorities and the direction of the MAGA movement. They also explore the fragile Israel-Palestine ceasefire and Trump’s role in it, debating whether it reflects genuine progress or political theater. Despite frustrations with national politics, both emphasize the ongoing importance of the Free State Project in building real liberty on the local level.
NH Shockers: Pronoun Policing, Crooked Judges, and Sununu’s Comeback Bid (Manch Talk 10/22/25)
Concord cops correct a suspect’s pronouns in a wild transgender case. Judge Marconi—fresh off controversy—is back on the Supreme Court bench while her husband faces trial. John E. Sununu jumps into the federal Senate race—can he really be the Comeback Kid? Plus: Free Ian, local city elections, and insider New Hampshire details you won't hear anywhere else!
Patterson in Pursuit: Eric Brakey Detained at the Border
Eric Brakey joins me to talk about his recent experience getting detained at the border after returning from a cruise. His papers and electronics were searched, and the border guards told him that his Constitutional rights didn't apply. A story we should pay attention to.
Liberty In Action: Eric Brakey on The Free State Project, Libertarianism, and Politics
Jonah Hildreth had a conversation with Eric Brakey, a former Maine State Senator and the Executive Director of The Free State Project. They talked about how he got into politics, his political career, Libertarianism and the future of the party, The Free State Project, and more!
News from the Free State
AP: Ex-US Sen. John E. Sununu enters GOP primary race in New Hampshire for the seat he lost in 2008
Roll Call: Rating change: Sununu’s entry boosts Republican chances in New Hampshire
Valley News: Proposed bill aims to simplify school bus driver certifications between Vermont and New Hampshire
NH Journal: New Hampshire Named Best State for Families
NH Bulletin: Senate upholds Ayotte veto of bill expanding anti-electioneering law
WMUR9: New Hampshire Fisher Cats to host World Series watch parties at Delta Dental Stadium
NH Bulletin: Republicans advance bill for universal school district spending caps
The Dartmouth: New Hampshire implements new requirements for absentee voting
World Atlas: 10 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In New Hampshire
NHPR: 10 Things to Do in NH this weekend: Halloween line dancing, a haunted theater tour and more
World Atlas: 5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In New Hampshire This Year
PorcFest XXII
We have been publishing content from this year's Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Just as we did earlier this year with the NH Liberty Forum, we will be publishing PorcFest content on a rolling basis, several times a week, across multiple social media platforms. Please find below all content published since our last newsletter!
You can find all video content from FSP events on YouTube and all audio-only content on our Spotify podcast channel: "FSP Talks."
Freedom After Covid: Building Resilient Lives Beyond the State with Simon Goddek
Dr. Simon Goddek shares his journey from an assistant professor in the Netherlands to living self-sufficiently in the Brazilian rainforest after being dismissed for publishing research advocating vitamin D during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how questioning mainstream narratives cost him his academic career and social media platforms, yet led him toward independence and homesteading. Goddek details building an off-grid lifestyle with solar power, natural spring water, and homegrown food, emphasizing health, self-reliance, and metabolic balance. He also discusses the importance of free speech, expressing concern over censorship in science and politics. His talk concludes with reflections on resisting centralized control, promoting personal sovereignty, and living resiliently beyond the state.
Welcome to PorcFest with Eric Brakey & PorcFest Production Team
Executive Director of the Free State Project, Eric Brakey, officially opens the 22nd Porcupine Freedom Festival, better known as PorcFest. He explains the festival’s origins, mission, and how it serves as a living model of a free society where attendees can create their own events and communities. Brakey highlights this year’s theme, “Taste the Revolution,” inviting guests to experience the growing liberty movement in New Hampshire. He previews featured speakers such as Joel Salatin, Bob Murphy, Scott Horton, and Ross Ulbricht, recently pardoned and attending in person. Brakey also introduces the volunteer production team, family-friendly programs, and festival traditions like Soapbox Idol and the One-Pot Cookoff. The event closes with a warm invitation to explore, connect, and help build freedom together.
Some Upcoming Events
Friday, Oct 24th
Manchester, 6pm-12am - Artsy Fartsy Halloween Costume Party - Drinks, food, costume party! Dress the part, act the part, win prizes! Hosted by Chris Lopez. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Saturday, Oct 25th
Manchester, 11am-4pm - AFP-NH Day of Action to Support Berlin Special Election - Join Americans For Prosperity - New Hampshire on October 25th as we make phone calls to voters in support of Marc Tremblay in the Berlin special election. We'll be providing lunch for volunteers and anyone who stays until the end, we will take out to dinner. Let's make sure we keep the seat in Berlin! RSVP today! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (AFP-NH Manchester Field Office, 8025 S Willow St, Suite 205, Manchester)
Portsmouth, 11am-4pm - AFP-NH Day of Action to Support Berlin Special Election - Join Americans For Prosperity - New Hampshire on October 25th as we make phone calls to voters in support of Marc Tremblay in the Berlin special election. We'll be providing lunch for volunteers and anyone who stays until the end, we will take out to dinner. Let's make sure we keep the seat in Berlin! RSVP Today! Hosted by Justin & Sarah. (AFP-NH Portsmouth Field Office, 767 Islington St, Portsmouth)
Henniker, 5pm-6:45 - Community Circle - Gathering in community is a practice as old as time, and one that is needed now more than ever, in this age of digital communications. And so, we hold space every month for in-person connection. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Rollinsford, 6pm-10 - Poker at the SHELL - Guests welcomed. Bring your own snacks and beverages. $10 buy in. Donations encouraged! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
Lancaster, 6pm-9 - Li-BOO-tarian Halloween Ball - Join us at The 'Pine for a masquerade themed Halloween party! Please bring a spooky snack to share and come in costume! Free for The 'Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Lancaster, 6:30pm-9:30 - NCP Bourbon & Cigar Night! - It's okay to just stop by and chat for a bit and talk about economy and politics. ALL are welcome. Hope you can put it on your calendar! Contact Adam 207.380.4236
Henniker, 7pm-9 - Ecstatic Dance - Dance can be a modality to reach ecstasy, through movement alone (substance free event). Led by incredible facilitator Kaylan Look, in the magical setting of an historic barn on beautiful grounds. No skill necessary! Expect a transformational evening. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Kaylan Look. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Sunday, Oct 26th
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, 1:30pm-3 - Trunk or Treat - Free event! We Heart West is hosting its 5th annual Trunk or Treat event. Join us for some trick or treating from decorated car trunks in the Mill West parking lot at 195 McGregor St., Manchester. THIS IS A NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR. RAIN OR SHINE! Hosted by Brittany Ping. (195 McGregor 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
Remember that this is only a partial list.
For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.