InDepthNH.org

The New Hampshire Liberty Alliance has reported that 104 New Hampshire legislators secured an A or A+ Liberty Rating for 2026, all Republicans, marking more than double the figure from 2025 as stated by the group.

Founded in 2003, the NHLA describes itself as a non-partisan coalition focused on expanding individual freedom in New Hampshire. It tracks select bills each session and scores them on impacts to civil liberties, personal responsibility, property rights, and accountability, per its site.

Certain Democratic lawmakers view the NHLA as aligned with Republican, Libertarian, and Free State efforts that prioritize ideology over state interests.

Rep. Wendy Thomas, D-Merrimack, remarked that landing at the bottom of the NHLA list might indicate the proper stance for a legislator.

The NHLA rating tracks alignment with its specific ideology rather than success in safeguarding communities, the environment, or constituents. Opposing NHLA positions can sometimes represent the better choice.

Regarding Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, shielding families from harmful exposure might not score points with a group against regulation, yet it safeguards New Hampshire residents, Thomas noted.

She continued that her role involves serving constituents by listening, advocating, and deciding based on state needs rather than ideological scoring. A low placement on their list would be worn with pride.

Thomas earned the lowest CT or Constitutional Threat mark, described as unfaithful to the oath upholding the New Hampshire Constitution and liberty principles.

Latest ratings show 124 Democrats labeled Constitutional Threat, 32 receiving F grades, and three getting D-minus. No Republicans received the Constitutional Threat designation.

House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson, D-Exeter, stated that true concern for liberty would involve data privacy, due process, and bodily autonomy rather than focus on a biased scorecard.

All eight Democratic state Senators received CT scores. All 16 Republican Senators scored A through C-.

Republican Sen. Mark McConkey earned a C and Denise Ricciardi a C-. Remaining Republican Senators ranged from A to B-.

No Democratic Representatives scored above D-.

The NHLA evaluates bills to issue a weekly Gold Standard handout to House and Senate members, clarifying pro-liberty or anti-liberty aspects. It also ranks legislators on monitored votes. Bill lists appear on pages 11 and 14 of the full report.

Rep. Dan McGuire, R-Epsom, expressed surprise at receiving the NHLA 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for sustained service to the liberty movement.

McGuire relocated from Washington state to New Hampshire via the Free State Project in 2005, won election as representative in 2010, and serves a non-consecutive fifth term. He does not plan to seek reelection now but leaves open a future return.

He expressed pleasure, noting respect for the NHLA after brief board service and appreciation for its efforts. The award felt thoughtful and unexpected.

He added that the Free State Project promotes New Hampshire and liberty-minded moves but maintains no political role in legislation or elections. The NHLA functions strictly within the state as an internal group, serving separate purposes.

Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey, present at the July 18 Liberty Alliance annual dinner, described strong attendance, positive energy, excitement over liberty progress, and celebration of legislative champions.

Brakey noted the Free State Project avoids tracking how many liberty legislators identify as Free Staters, leaving that choice to individuals.

He voiced respect for the NHLA, welcoming consistent liberty voters to identify as Free Staters if desired, whether native or newcomer, while emphasizing personal choice.

Brakey observed mutual support between the groups despite independent starts in the early 2000s.

Native Granite Staters founded the NHLA, yet Free State Project arrivals have bolstered grassroots bill review and Gold Standard distribution. Various liberty institutions fulfill distinct roles while advancing shared goals.

The Free State Project intent letter states a commitment to reside in New Hampshire and maximize efforts for a society where government protects individual rights to life, liberty, and property.

Launched two decades ago, the project seeks 20,000 signers with roughly 9,000 already committed.

Anyone sharing liberty values and planning New Hampshire residence, native or new, may sign and declare participation.

Rep. Brian Labrie, R-Bedford, earned the 2026 Legislator of the Year honor for voting record, leadership, and liberty advancement.

Labrie felt humbled yet stressed focus on constituent service in Bedford and preserving New Hampshire as an ideal place to live and work.

Jeffrey Creem of Nashua received the 2026 Activist of the Year Award for dedication to liberty advancement. He was unavailable for comment.

Rep. Diane Pauer, R-Brookline, earned the 2026 Chairman's Award for exceptional NHLA and liberty contributions. She did not respond to comment requests.

The NHLA presented additional awards to organization workers, representatives, and Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester:

Bill Reviewer of the Year: Rich Tomasso (former NHLA chair)
Rookie of the Year: Rep. Sam Farrington, R-Rochester
For the People Award: Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester
Breaking Overton Windows Award: Rep. Matt Drew, R-Manchester
Uno Reverse Award: Rep. Ross Berry, R-Weare
Rising Star Award: Rep. Lisa Mazur, R-Goffstown