I disagree with some of these characterizations.

First, Oakland County hasn't "moved Left". Republicans have abandoned Reaganism for Trumpism, and educated suburban types aren't gonna vote for a platform of "I hate foreigners, immigrants, globalism, science, the media and anyone with a college education". Soccer moms in Bloomfield aren't gonna go big for the "ya grab em in the hoo-haw" candidate, so the Bloomfield country club set, alongside the Novi/Rochester McMansion types, have left the party.

Second, Patterson, while a fossil and probably a racist, has been an excellent manager and presided over great prosperity. His departure probably won't be much of a regional gain; it's just that some forumers are jealous of the county's success and believe that if the county declined it would benefit other counties.

Third, Patterson won't leave unless he passes away in office. He loves his job and there's no strategic reason for leaving early.