Texas isn't even that bad. Of course the redneck mentality thrives in rural areas, but the metropolises are fairly progressive.

That said, they do hold disturbing power over certain things, such as education.

But still not as bad as Mississippi. Now that is a truly awful state. The absolute worst in nearly all demographics besides violent crime (where it is second, likely due to having the highest incarceration rate). Also the most religious.

Visited Texas last year (I'm from New England) and stayed with an Obama hating, gun toting, get-off-my-lawn Texan. We got along great, saw eye to eye on many things and generally were quite compatible. Proving the point that a person unlike people can be likable and reasonable on a one-to-one basis despite their different upbringing, background or political positions.

Dangerous to lump all Texans or all of any type into a category simple based on how the state tends to vote, or the media/'s perception of a state.