I noticed something interesting. Despite NC nearly supporting Biden in 2020, it actually didn't shift that hard to the left, particularly compared to nearby states - even WV shifted more to Biden than North Carolina! See these examples:
NC (reference point): 2.3 points
VA: 4.8 points (2.5 points more than NC)
KY: 3.9 points (1.6 points more than NC)
WV: 3.2 points (0.9 points more than NC)
TN: 2.8 points (0.5 points more than NC)
SC: 2.6 points (0.3 points more than NC)
GA: 5.4 points (3.1 points more than NC)
Why is this? Why did NC stay more or less static compared to its neighbours, given suburban growth and liberalization and the cities going even bluer? (Interestingly, NC was also home to one of just 6 Clinton/Trump counties outside Texas, Scotland.)
Most of NC is conservative.
