In the rolling Appalachian hills of Tennessee, a controversial real estate development has ignited a cultural confrontation that reflects America’s deepening political divisions. Josh Abbotoy, founder of Ridgerunner development company, envisions creating an “affinity-based community” centered around faith, family, and freedom on purchased land near Gainesboro. While marketed as a rural retreat celebrating conservative values, the project has drawn national attention due to its association with self-described Christian nationalists.
The controversy intensified when two of Abbotoy’s earliest customers—Andrew Isker, a Minnesota pastor, and C Jay Engel, a California businessman—publicized their move to the area on their podcast ‘Contra Mundum’ (Against the World). Both men advocate for radical conservative reforms including questioning women’s suffrage, calling for mass deportations of legal immigrants, and seeking to “repeal the 20th Century.” Their statements triggered alarm among Gainesboro’s 900 residents, despite the county having voted 80% for Donald Trump in the last election.
Local opposition crystallized when businesswoman Diana Mandli posted a chalkboard message outside her establishment reading: “If you are a person or group who promotes the inferiority or oppression of others, please eat somewhere else.” An informal resistance group emerged, confronting the developers at local meetings and erecting protest billboards. Residents expressed particular concern over Engel’s advocacy for “family voting” where only husbands would cast ballots representing households.
Abbotoy, a Harvard Law graduate and partner at conservative venture fund New Founding, distances himself from the Christian nationalist label while defending his clients as intellectuals discussing “big ideas.” His development continues to attract buyers, predominantly from Democratic states like California and New York, with half the lots already under contract and first residents expected in 2027.
The local dispute has drawn involvement from national organizations, with Abbotoy claiming opposition is orchestrated by liberal groups while residents maintain their resistance is organic. The confrontation represents a microcosm of broader political battles occurring across rural America, where Democratic organizations are increasing investment to counter Republican dominance despite the challenge of addressing extreme viewpoints within conservative communities.