A lot of blue collar Democrats think their party is like in FDR’s time despite the fact its changed.
This is the way their grandparents and parents voted and its the way they vote. West VA is a paradox - its a Blue State at the state level but its a Red State in presidential election years.
You’re right. Another factor is the long term control of state government functions by Democrats. People will register as Democrats as one of the unwritten requirements to get a local job for example with the highway department.
Maybe in another generation it might change with a negative factor being the poor quality of education.