these comparisons are a bit apples to oranges. California is a natural paradise compared to most of the states you mentioned. It has nicer weather, plentiful activities (lots of coastline, mountains, etc, etc). If you take away politics, it's an extremely desirable place to live. Mississippi on the other hand....not so much. It's hot and humid. So I'm not convinced any of the states you mention are bad due to bad policy as much as crappy weather. Wyoming is another good example. There is little outside of the northwest part to be desired as far as a place to live that has nothing to do with policies.
That said, I really struggle with the far right in general because they seem to not be able to budge at all on various issues that it seems ought to have some common ground. Even if you don't believe in climate change, there are many benefits to pursuing clean energy solutions in the short and long term, for example. I tend to vote with R's but the party seems to be under control of extremes (much like the D's).