In Gainesboro, Tennessee, a town of roughly 900 residents, tensions have flared over a new real estate development with political and religious undertones. Josh Abbotoy, founder of Ridgerunner, plans to build a neighborhood featuring a working farm, a church, and dozens of residential lots. While marketed to those seeking rural tranquility, the project has attracted attention because some early buyers are self-described Christian nationalists.

Controversial Residents

Two outspoken residents, Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel, have stirred concern among locals. On their podcast Contra Mundum (“against the world”), they encourage fans to move to small communities like Gainesboro and influence local governance with strict Christian conservative values. Their views include household voting, anti-LGBTQ sentiments, and calls for mass deportations of certain immigrant groups, though they deny being white nationalists.

These extreme stances have alarmed residents, prompting an informal resistance group. Local matriarch Diana Mandli has actively opposed the influence of these newcomers, putting up signs declaring Gainesboro a town where “all are welcome” and confronting controversial meetings.

Christian Nationalism in Context

Christian nationalism is a broad and often ambiguous ideology advocating for greater influence of Christianity in governance. Some extreme theorists call for rule by a “Christian prince,” while milder forms include embedding Christian principles into law or highlighting the country’s religious heritage. The ideology’s ambiguity has helped it seep into mainstream politics.

Development and National Attention

Abbotoy’s development, located in the Appalachian hills, is still in early construction phases, but half of the lots are already under contract, attracting buyers from Democratic-majority states like California and New York. Abbotoy emphasizes that the project celebrates faith, family, and freedom but denies any intent to influence local government politically.

Despite the small-town scale, the dispute has attracted national attention. Opponents receive advice from left-leaning organizations like States at the Core, while supporters point to conservative networks, including Abbotoy’s venture capital and media projects, as evidence of liberal pushback.

A Microcosm of Rural Politics

Gainesboro reflects broader political dynamics in rural America. While Republicans, including Donald Trump, have consolidated support in these regions, Democrats are investing heavily in rural engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms. Locals like Nan Coons emphasize the importance of standing against extremist influence at the grassroots level.

“If we are going to turn this tide, it starts on your street, it starts in your neighbourhood, it starts in your small town,” she says.