As Josh Abbotoy gazes out at lush green woods and pastureland in Tennessee's Appalachian hills, he describes his vision for a new neighborhood: a community centered around faith, family, and freedom, and featuring a church among the residential lots. Abbotoy is the founder of Ridgerunner, a real estate company that aims to create an affinity-based community that attracts like-minded individuals.
However, Abbotoy’s plans have drawn significant scrutiny since late 2024, when controversial comments made by his customers, Christian nationalists Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel, were aired in a local news report. Their views raise questions about modern values and promote extreme ideologies, leading to local unrest. Residents like Nan Coons express fear over the potential impact of such beliefs on their community.
In response to the growing controversy, an informal resistance group has emerged among locals who oppose the encroachment of extreme ideologies. They fear that their small town is being branded as a headquarters for Christian nationalism. Diana Mandli, a leading figure among the dissenters, has publicly denounced the new arrivals' views, advocating for inclusivity and acceptance.
The growing tensions have not gone unnoticed, drawing the attention of both national organizations and media. Abbotoy, while promoting a community rooted in traditional values, insists that fears regarding his tenants are exaggerated and that the development will not lead to a take-over of local governance.
This conflict in Gainesboro underscores the larger narrative of rural America's shifting political landscape, as both sides navigate the implications of their beliefs against the backdrop of escalating national tensions.
