OregonLive posted an article earlier this month on Oregon governor Tina Kotek's "cratering" approval ratings in deep-blue Portland, and this quote jumped out at me:
"'I'm just baffled at how a Democrat-led state is struggling with the things that we're struggling with,' said Lisa Hysmith, a poll respondent from Gresham who said she had a 'somewhat' negative impression of Kotek. Hysmith, a Democrat, said she is particularly concerned about Oregon's poor education outcomes and high homelessness rates. At the same time, she said, 'Is it going to stop me from voting for Democrats? Absolutely not.'"
Well, there's the problem. When the voters signal that they're going to support on party no matter what, would-be political leaders cease to care what they think and instead focus on issues of interest to the activists & donors that drive nominations. On the west coast, that means the insane Democratic base and loopy donors.