In Gainesboro, Tennessee, a new housing development by Josh Abbotoy’s Ridgerunner company is causing a stir. The project centers on an “affinity-based community” with homes, a working farm, and a church, targeting buyers who share conservative, right-wing values. Prominent customers Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel openly embrace Christian nationalism and controversial views, including questioning women’s suffrage and calling for mass deportations of immigrants. Their ideas raised alarms among locals. Nan Coons, a lifelong resident, says, "You don't know who these people are, or what they're capable of," calling the situation scary. Isker and Engel run the podcast Contra Mundum from the Ridgerunner office, urging listeners to move to small towns to gain political power. Engel promotes the term "heritage Americans," mostly Anglo-Protestants, and has called for deporting immigrants he feels cannot assimilate. Both deny being white nationalists but express anti-gay and traditional family views. Locals formed a resistance, led by businesswoman Diana Mandli, who displayed a message rejecting any group promoting oppression. Community protests confronted Ridgerunner supporters, and Ms. Coons engaged Engel about his idea of "family voting," where only the husband votes. While the development is still building infrastructure, half the lots are under contract. Mr. Abbotoy says the criticism is "absurd" and denies any plans to seize local government. He notes many buyers come from Democratic states seeking shared conservative values. The dispute draws national attention amid larger rural political battles. Support groups on both sides back locals and developers. Ms. Coons sums up the fight: "If we are going to turn this tide, it starts on your street, it starts in your neighbourhood, it starts in your small town. I have to stand for something, and this is where I stand."