I don't know about MUCH better . . . we both live in strongholds of the other party. I know we've elected Democrats to governorships and Dems control both houses of the state legislature. With Nym90 not being a crazy liberal, I would have a decent shot, say a 55% chance of winning the state. By campaigning there along with TN, AR, and LA, bump that up even higher.
Illinois has voted Republican from 1968 to 1988. Only recently has it started voting Democratic from 1992-present.
Mississippi, on the other hand, has voted Republican in EVERY election since 1972....except the 1976 election...and that was barely 50%.