As far as urban areas go, it’s pretty close to a 50/50 split between republicans and democrats,
SLIGHTLY leaning towards democrats (in recent years), which is very different from other major American metro areas. The region has also historically been a Republican stronghold until recently, which again is different from other major American “liberal” metro areas. It’s not the same as San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, etc.
Additionally, the region is constantly in the news for some pretty weird right wing stuff happening in the area. Adding to this, as far as urban design goes, it also has a pretty conservative aesthetic and is super segregated.
Last, liberal doesn’t mean progressive, as far as leftism goes. That’s a whole other discussion.
“Before 2008,
San Diego County historically had been a
Republican stronghold. The Republican presidential nominee carried the county in every presidential election from 1948 through 2004, except in 1992 when
Bill Clinton won a plurality.”
Politics of San Diego County - Wikipedia