No, I think that the author does have a point-especially about the culture affecting people, their attitudes and in some cases their politics as well.
Here in NC (as I assume you’re from as well), I especially see Northern Migration in my corner (Wilmington, New Hanover County), however a good many of these people are conservative republicans (at least fiscally, if not socially too-many are Conservative Catholics).
I do think that culture affects people and when they interact with their neighbors, friends and family in life, our slower pace of life, southern (friendly) and Christian culture ~can~ change mindsets and lives.
So I welcome people, and can get along with just about anyone. It’s those who come here and complain and don’t like it (because we don’t do things like they did back in NE or the North Atlantic; they hold ELITIST Attitudes) that I say “bless you, now you can go home”!!
The problem is this: while I don’t disagree with what you and the author say about the culture, there are so many yankees moving into NC so quickly, that the reflex to vote Democrat is often more rapid than the cultural impact.
The northern migration is absolutely why NC is now a kinda purplish red state....instead of solid red.