Affinity-Based Community Project in Gainesboro Sparks National Debate
Gainesboro, Tennessee, a small town with a population around 900, is the site of Ridgerunner's Brewington Farms development, an affinity-based community featuring a working farm and a church. The project, founded by Josh Abbotoy who operates across Tennessee and Kentucky, emphasizes values of faith, family, and freedom, with first homes expected in early 2027 and about half of the lots already under contract.
Abbotoy, associated with conservative circles and networks such as New Founding and American Reformer, markets the community on these traditional values but denies identifying as a Christian nationalist, calling such criticisms absurd and describing the project as focused on infrastructure development and long-term community building.
Among Ridgerunner customers, some, including Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel, identify as Christian nationalists and are politically active locally, promoting heritage American ideals and advocating for actions like deportations of immigrants. This perspective has drawn resistance from local residents, including Diana Mandli and Nan Coons, who have formed groups opposing the branding of Gainesboro as a Christian nationalist hub. They have staged protests and displayed messages against groups they view as promoting oppression.
The development has attracted national attention amid a broader political context where rural Republicans have increased influence, evidenced by former president Donald Trump winning about 69% of rural votes in 2024. Additionally, the Democratic party's DCCC has planned an eight-figure rural-focused effort for 2026.
Opponents of the project reference States at the Core, a group funded by left-wing organizations, though the group denies orchestrating efforts related to the development and declined interview requests. Abbotoy has argued that the influx of people moving to small towns like Gainesboro reflects the appeal of the Bible and the values embodied in the community.
