> It is perhaps also a factor that both states are relatively multicultural compared to other US states in the region (this applies to AZ and TX as well to some

> It is perhaps also a factor that both states are relatively multicultural compared to other US states in the region (this applies to AZ and TX as well to some extent, so clearly there are multiple things going on). Arizona is basically New Mexico, except it became a retirement destination (like a western version of Florida), which shifted its demographics older and whiter (and therefore more conservative). Texas is probably a little more unique since it is both massive and at the crossroads of several geographical and cultural regions.