Why does Janet Mills hate New Hampshire?
DATE: Friday, August 29, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Why does the Governor of Maine hate New Hampshire?
In a recent interview, she did not have kind words for her neighbors in the Live Free or Die state.
Mocking New Hampshire? The Free State Project responds to the Governor who claims Maine people don't like New Hampshire. (Thank you to Reinita Sussman for producing this video.) Click here to watch the Free State Project response video.
In a recent interview, Janet Mills, the Democrat Governor (and notorious COVID tyrant), said of our Free State:
“We only border one other state and we don’t necessarily like them: it’s New Hampshire... Move to Maine.”
As a Free Stater (and Mainer in exile), I understand why Janet Mills doesn't like us — but she presumes too much to speak for the entire Maine people.
The Free State of New Hampshire stands in stark contrast to the welfare and nanny state that our neighbor to the East has become under the watch of Gov. Janet Mills.
TAXES - Mills has transformed "Vacationland" into "Taxationland," as Maine people are among the highest taxed and lowest paid in America, while the state's infrastructure is crumbling — ranked dead last in America — as tax dollars are diverted to welfare programs for able-bodied, childless adults.
Meanwhile, WalletHub ranks New Hampshire #1 in America for lowest taxes (per capita) and return on investment — empowering Granite Staters to keep more of what they earn and better focusing state resources on the things that matter.HEALTHCARE - After firing 10% of Maine's healthcare workforce to enforce her COVID vaccine mandate, Governor Mills is begging fired nurses to come back as the state suffers a crisis-level nursing shortage.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire's healthcare system is rated the best in the country, when accounting for cost and quality.EDUCATION - Ever since Governor Janet Mills (1) eliminated all religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions for students and then (2) shut down schools for an entire year during COVID, test scores in Maine for reading and math have fallen to all-time lows. According to the Maine Morningstar, this "paint[s] a grim picture of academic performance for Maine students."
Meanwhile, New Hampshire not only boasts access to universal school choice for all families; its education system ranks as the #5 best in America.GUN RIGHTS — While Mainers have long enjoyed robust protections for 2nd Amendment rights, this has eroded in recent years as Democrats passed a "72-hour waiting period" law — which has the iconic Kittery Trading Post threatening to move to New Hampshire. Now, with "Red Flag" gun confiscation on the ballot this November, many gun owners in Maine wonder just how far the threats to their rights will go.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire is ranked the "most friendly" state for gun ownership with "incredibly relaxed gun laws, low crime rates, and lack of state sales tax."
Knowing Maine people from my ten years in Pine Tree State politics, I had to go back to see if what Janet Mills says is really true.
Do Mainers really dislike New Hampshire?
Before I get to all that, however, I want to invite you to join us in one month for the 1st annual Granite Freedom Trek.
On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, lace up your boots.
Join fellow liberty lovers for a scenic hike of Mt. Cardigan (3,155 ft) and Mt. Firescrew (3,040 ft) in a moderate 5-mile loop offering breathtaking 360-degree views of New Hampshire’s rolling hills — led by expert hiker Derek Proulx.
For active Free Staters and liberty-loving visitors who enjoy the outdoors, join us as we traverse New Hampshire trails in good company during one of the most beautiful times of year.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious newcomer, you are invited to join us for this one-day (rain or shine) medium difficulty hiking adventure. (Click here to see the trail map.)
We have only a limited number of hiking slots available, so act fast. Grab your ticket now!
At Maine Gun Show, Free Staters Meet Pine Tree State Liberty Supporters
Does Janet Mills speak for all Maine people? Apparently not.
With volunteers in our newly constituted Free State Project Outreach Team, we crossed the border and traveled to the Augusta Gun Show this past weekend.
The Free State Goes to Maine. Director Brakey, alongside volunteers — Jane, Pedro, and Jaime (pictured left to right) — greeted many 2A supporters on the first day of the Augusta Gun Show.
There was a lot of interest in NH liberty and upcoming FSP events — and very little love for Governor Janet Mills!
(I think it is safe to say that many of these Maine people hold New Hampshire in higher regard than their Governor.)
That's why over 60 new Maine people signed up to begin receiving this Free State Project newsletter.
To our new readers, I do hope you come join us for a few events in the Free State to see what we are building in the #1 state for freedom.
Live Free and Carry. On the second day of the Augusta Gun Show, FSP outreach volunteer, Theo, tells curious Mainers about the freedoms of New Hampshire, including the strongest 2A protections in America. On a nearby laptop, NBC Boston's Emmy-nominated, 13-episode docuseries on the FSP, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of New Hampshire," plays for interested attendees to stop and view.
While I appreciate all our volunteers who helped this weekend, I want to say an extra thank you to Jaime Hussey, our Free State Outreach Ambassador to Maine.
Jaime was one of the leading organizers with the Maine Libertarian Party, but last year, she made the move from Maine with her husband and two children to build a life in the NH North Country.
Now, Jaime is leading as a co-producer for next year's Porcupine Freedom Festival, while also helping organize FSP outreach opportunities in the Pine Tree State.
On both days of the Augusta Gun Show, she shared with many Mainers her experiences joining her local Free State community and finding a good job working for a local plumbing company.
Her story inspired more than a few Mainers to think more deeply about making the leap across the border.
FSP Branded AR-15 Magazines. These limited edition items were a hit at the Augusta Gun Show. They will continue to be for sale at gun show outreach events in New Hampshire and Maine (for as long as they are still legal in Maine). They will also be for sale at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum and Porcupine Freedom Festival.
We are planning a long season of outreach events in the coming months — with three more gun shows on the calendar for September and October (in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine).
That's why we are looking for more Outreach volunteers to help us table at events across New England. Can I count you in?
Hit reply to this email to let me know if you'd like to join our Outreach Team for the Free State Project.
Whose ideas are truly "invasive?"
Last week, I told you about the attack piece published in the Concord Monitor, labeling Free Staters as "invasive" weeds to be "rooted out."
The author is a retired government employee with all the typical leftwing views — from gun control to Russiagate.
She was born in California, worked in Minnesota, and has lived in New Hampshire for a dozen years less than the Free State Project has existed.
For some reason, this progressive transplant from the West Coast deludes herself calling those who embrace the "Live Free or Die" spirit of New Hampshire the real "invasive" ones.
Unsurprisingly, many Democrat committees (including in my new home city of Dover), are patting themselves on the back as they share an article that calls their fellow citizens "weeds."
As much as I have enjoyed laughing at this latest love letter from the state worshipers, some accusations deserve to be tackled head on.
Read my response published today in the Concord Monitor: "Whose ideas are truly 'invasive' in the Live Free or Die state?"
Who Is a Free Stater?
While I encourage you to read my full column at the Concord Monitor, there is one statement in particular I'd like to highlight:
"A Free Stater is anyone — native or newcomer — who believes in a Free New Hampshire where the maximum proper role of government is protecting life, liberty, and property. We reject welfare statism, nanny statism, and corporate cronyism."
For a long time, the term "Free Stater" has been used solely to describe those who've made the move to New Hampshire.
I believe it is time to change that.
Every person living here who believes in a Free New Hampshire — where the maximum role of government is protecting individual rights to life, liberty, and property — is a Free Stater.
New Hampshire was selected two decades ago because there were, in effect, so many Free Staters already here.
In 2003, Governor Craig Benson invited the Free State Project to this state because our efforts reinforce the long-established "Live Free or Die" spirit under constant assault by influence from our statist neighbors.
We are one full generation into this project — and many Free State babies born here have grown to full adulthood.
It is safe now to say "Free Stater" is a mindset, not limited to someone's status as a mover or native to New Hampshire.
There remain many future Free Staters out there to recruit. When they arrive, we welcome them to strong Free State communities of both movers and native liberty lovers.
Good Company. This past Tuesday at Murphy's Taproom, Free Staters (both natives and movers) gathered for a long tradition in the Manchester community: Taproom Tuesday!
Slave Staters Continue Whining Tour Across New Hampshire
One thing is certain — whether you are a native or mover — the slave staters have it out for all Free Staters!
As established, they are running campaigns against Free Staters in the opinion pages of local papers, complaining about liberty victories in the legislature: cutting spending, eliminating nanny state policies, and expanding school choice.
Now, there even appears to be an official "whining tour" taking place in Democrat committees across the state — warning scared statists that the Free Staters are coming to cut their precious government programs!
Do statists fear libertarians like this in the state where you live — or do you not live in New Hampshire?
Local Democrats Warn: "The Free Staters are Coming!" This week, the only elected Democrat on the NH Executive Council spoke to Hollis and Brookline Democrats about the "dangerous" Free State Project.
At this meeting, a 49-page document written by our old pal, Jeanne Dietch, was distributed entitled: "Who are the Free Staters? And how do we stop them..."
If you have been reading this newsletter for awhile, you may remember Dietch as the woman who published an enemies list of known Free Staters across New Hampshire in 2023.
(I was honored to have made that list — a full year before I had actually made the move.)
If you'd like to read all 49 pages (riddled with humorous errors and mindless left-wing jargon), you can click here to see it for yourself.
Barry Goldwater was right. "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."
This was not the last stop on their anti-Free Stater tour.
We've already heard that several other local Democrat committees are holding similar conspiracy sessions.
Thankfully, our haters are among our best advertisers. Truly, they are the gifts that keep on giving!
Porcupine Patron Update
Finally, 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 as little as $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to achieve "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — one new mover at a time.
Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.
This past week, we held our monthly patron-exclusive conference call — with updates on outreach efforts, new events, and a fresh website under development. Thank you to all patrons who attended!
Patron-Exclusive Access. FSP Porcupine Patron, Brandon Bach, shared on X as she participated in our monthly video conference (for patrons only) with updates and feedback opportunities with Director Brakey and FSP grassroots leaders.
We currently have 194 active patrons and we want to reach 200 by the end of August.
By this Sunday, that means I need six more patrons to reach our goal.
Can I count you in as 1 of our 200 Porcupine Patrons to help build the Free State?
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!
As noted above, on Sunday, September 21, we are hosting the first annual Granite Freedom Trek.
We are only making a limited number of tickets available for this moderate challenge, one-day, rain-or-shine, 5-mile hiking adventure through Mt. Cardigan and Mt. Firescrew.
Lace up your boots and take a hike with expert guide Derek Proulx and other Free State leaders, including Eric Brakey and Jason Sorens.
Grab your ticket now for the 1st annual Granite Freedom Trek.
FREE STATE FALL FEST:
For the entire three-day "Columbus Day" weekend (October 11-13), our friends at Independence Realty are organizing several family-friendly events across the state.
Activities will include apple picking, corn mazes, axe throwing, a family hike, and even an arcade day at Fun Spot (the largest arcade in the world).
CLICK HERE for more information and to RSVP for currently announced Fall Fest events.
FREE STATE BITCOIN DIGITAL ASSET CONFERENCE:
On Sunday, October 12, the FSBDAC returns with discussions on cutting-edge issues and opportunities in the emerging realm of cryptocurrencies.
This event will be held at Wentworth by the Sea in beautiful New Castle, NH. Included with your ticket will be a light breakfast, coffee, refreshments, and lunch.
As a gift for reading this newsletter, use our discount code "FSPFriend" for 50% off your FSBDAC tickets.
CLICK HERE to Secure Your Ticket to the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference.
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) 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.
NH Liberty Calendar
Free State Voices
Tom Woods Show Ep. #2684: “Politics Stinks, But Do We Need It Anyway?” with Bruce Fenton
Bruce Fenton (Free Stater) joined the Tom Woods Show last week to talk about politics and whether we should shun or embrace it, his portfolio recommendations, Western misconceptions about Saudi Arabia, and plenty of other intriguing topics.
Porcupine Report #79: “Fall Fest is Coming” with Constance Spencer
On this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric sits down with Constance Spencer to dive into the magic of Fall Fest, one of the Free State community’s beloved traditions. What started as a simple corn maze hangout has grown into a full weekend of apple picking, ax throwing, hikes, and even the world’s largest arcade—all set against New Hampshire’s breathtaking autumn colors.
Constance shares heartwarming stories and laughs from past years, painting a picture of freedom, family, and fun all rolled into one. Together, they discuss fond memories from past events, the importance of building connections, and why New Hampshire offers both freedom and the charm of New England living.
The NH Housing Situation. Taking a question from a viewer on TikTok, FSP Founder, Jason Sorens, discussed the housing situation in New Hampshire. He highlights the passage of multiple bills to cut taxpayer-funded housing subsidies, while easing local zoning restrictions clear the way for development of more market-rate housing.
"Future of Crypto Payments with Dash DAO." For episode 588 of the BlockHash Podcast, host Brandon Zemp is joined by Joël Valenzuela, Free Stater and core member of Dash DAO. They discuss the objectives of Dash DAO and Dash Pay in 2025, the future of crypto payments, the Digital Cash Network, Free State Project and much more!
"Honoring Ron Paul at 90: An Enduring Legacy." This panel brings together Eric Brakey, Justin Amash, and Chip Roy to celebrate Ron Paul’s 90th birthday and reflect on carrying the torch of liberty in politics.
Amash shares how Ron Paul inspired him to stand firm on principle, even when outnumbered, while also stressing the importance of grassroots cultural change. Chip Roy discusses the challenges of balancing idealism with pragmatic lawmaking and the fight to push back against runaway spending in Congress. Both emphasize that the real power for liberty lies in communities, local action, and electing principled leaders.
The discussion highlights hard-won victories, bipartisan coalitions, and the enduring influence of Ron Paul’s philosophy. They put out a call to continue strengthening the liberty movement and carrying Ron Paul’s legacy forward.
Manch Talk: "A Bunch of Free Staters Go to Texas, and 8 Tips for Better Health" with Carla Gericke.
More than a dozen Free Staters headed to Ron Paul's 90th birthday bash in Texas, 8 tips for better health, and more!
Click here to watch the full episode!
News from the Free State
Politico: The DNC Will Have No Choice But to Restore New Hampshire’s First-In-the-Nation Role
Seacoast Online: New Hampshire Fall Foliage 2025: Weekly forecast maps show when, where fall colors will peak
Canary Media: New Hampshire, never big on offshore wind, steps back further
NH Bulletin: New Hampshire’s data privacy law went into effect this year. Other states are following suit.
NHPR: New Hampshire's loon population sees incremental gains
Realtor.com: Manchester Is One of the Hottest ZIP Codes in New Hampshire-Here's Why
World Atlas: 7 New Hampshire Towns That Rival Europe's Best
The Dartmouth: New Hampshire provides lowest funding for higher education in country
Patch: Here Are The Best Colleges In New Hampshire, According To Niche
Only In Your State: These Underrated National Forest Hikes in New Hampshire Rival Popular Trails at National Parks
Seacoast Online: Lawmakers expand 'Right to Try’ for New Hampshire’s terminally ill
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."
"Negotiating Liberty: How Coalitions and Deals Will Shape the Future" with Angela McArdle
Angela McArdle delivers a bold talk on how coalitions and dealmaking are essential to advancing liberty. She shares personal stories, including her surprising meetings with Donald Trump, where issues like drug policy, pardons for political prisoners, and sound money were discussed. McArdle explains how working with unlikely allies—whether Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or other political figures—has led to real wins for the liberty movement. She emphasizes “radical incrementalism,” pursuing ambitious but achievable goals through strategic partnerships. The message is clear: libertarians can’t afford to work in isolation—coalitions are the future of meaningful change.
"The Good Girl’s Guide to Self Ownership" with Carla Gericke
Carla Gericke shares her journey of self-ownership in *The Good Girl’s Guide to Self-Ownership*, blending personal growth with the broader liberty movement. She encourages people to treat themselves as sovereign “nations,” with body, mind, and soul serving as the foundation of personal freedom. Drawing on her activism in New Hampshire, she connects self-determination at the individual level to larger movements for independence and decentralization. Gericke emphasizes health, mindfulness, and accountability as keys to living authentically. She argues that true liberty begins within, and only then can communities come together to build a freer world. Her message is both practical and inspirational, urging listeners to reclaim responsibility for their lives
Watch her full remarks from PorcFest XXII.
As Seen In the Free State
Childhood Still Exists in New Hampshire! New Hampshire is the best place to raise children.
We Don't Ask for Permission. New Hampshire is the only state in America where no state law restricts teachers from defending their students — and we actively nullify unconstitutional federal gun laws.
Taco Party. Many Free Staters gathered this past Sunday for tacos at the Quill Liberty Clubhouse in Manchester.
How to Defend Liberty at the Statehouse? Director Brakey spoke with NH liberty legislators in Manchester this past weekend at the Hazlitt Policy Summit (hosted by Young Americans for Liberty). Brakey discussed the value of practicing "Stoicism at the State House" and the vital importance of Defend the Guard legislation to bring troops home from undeclared wars.
NHLA Legislative Summit. Liberty lovers gathered in Manchester on Thursday for a legislative summit hosted by the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance. Activists and lawmakers discussed policy ideas that could become bills in next year's legislative session.
Some Upcoming Events:
Friday, Aug 29th
6:30pm-10 - Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetup - Join us for a monthly meetup exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Together, we'll discuss how sound money principles align with religious values like stewardship, honesty, and justice. This gathering is open to all faith backgrounds and anyone interested in the ethical implications of a decentralized peaceful money standard. Almost one year active! Text Zephan for address (603)369-7729
Saturday, Aug 30th
Hampton, 1pm-5 - Family & Community Beach Day - Bring your favorite beach meal and snacks for your family or to share, water, sun protection, towels, toys, and anything beachy you love. Expect beach chairs, castle building, playing, and good people. Open invite. Hosted by Zephan Wood. (Hampton Beach, Meet on beach across from NH Marine Memorial)
Sunday, Aug 31st
Lancaster, 10am-11 - North Country Sunday Yoga/Pilates - Join for a casual yoga and Pilates session. Open to all levels. Free for The 'Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 - Garnet School Ruck/Shoot - Bring a backpack full of hiking supplies, water bottle, etc. I’ll be wearing a plate carrier and plenty of magazines and a rifle. This month, we’ll do a pretty easy 2-mile hike around the Conspiracy Campground. Optional hike a second time to around 4 miles. This is a moderate hike. This is a free-of-charge, open-carry event. This will be held rain or shine. Optional shooting after. Range donations accepted. If you want to bring after-hike protein, we’ll have the grill fired up. Hosted by Baxter Tidwell. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Lempster, 11am-5pm - Intro To Conceal Carry with Drew - Develop the skills and training habits necessary to safely and proficiently conceal carry. A class designed to help shooters of all skill levels learn how to safely, proficiently, and confidently conceal carry. Register today! Hosted by Drew. (NORO Tactical Solutions, 186 Keyes Hollow Rd, Lempster)
Pembroke, 2pm-5 - Summer Potluck Picnic - Bring a dish, fruit, your favorite park activity (musical instrument, game, kite, bubbles, chalk, sports equipment etc.), and a blanket. This park has a playground, basketball court, volleyball net, baseball fields, 2 rivers, horseshoe fields, and a dirt trail. Expect blankets, watermelon, kites, playgrounds, and joyful company. Open invite. Hosted by Zephan Wood. (Memorial Park, 99 Pleasant St, Pembroke)
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.