I just thought LA was a solidly conservative state.
southern democrats are a bit unlike normal democrats. LA is rather known for state and local corruption. I suspect the jungle primary system they had there didn’t help matters much; I’m not sure we ran the strongest field in the last election.
It has significant blue blotches on the electoral map - New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, mostly. If enthusiasm is low for a Republican candidate, those urban centers can tip the election to the Dems.
Pretty much is, although blue dogs get elected from time to time as governor. New Orleans proper, not so much.