Who cares about the political party of local politicians? Make sure local government services are delivered on time and on budget (water, power, garbage collection, etc). Make sure the schools are good and aren't run by weirdos. Beyond that, why would you care?
It depends on your personality type. If you're the type who just must change everything to fit your worldview, it's important to settle in a place with similar values. But many people aren't into trying to impose their view on everyone else and as a result, can settle into areas with people of differing values. The rub can be if your appearance signals values that you might not want to push onto others but your presence makes people wary you might want to. For people like that, it can be difficult, but many do find with some time, people get accustomed to them and relax once they determine they're not there to upset the social order. In a few cases, the negative reaction is great enough that there isn't time for either side to get to know the other's intentions. That's pretty rare if you're lowkey but still happens here and there from time to time.
Because there is a culture war and in a lot of places if you aren't deemed to be in the in-group you will suddenly find yourself with problems that were created just for you by the locals.
