Here's why:
* Spelling: The "a" in "state" is followed by a consonant and an "e" at the end of the word. This is a common pattern that often indicates a long vowel sound.
* Pronunciation: The "a" in "state" is pronounced like the "a" in "fate" or "say," which is a long vowel sound.
Let me know if you'd like to explore other vowel sounds!