How Carly Fiorina's Candidacy Changes the Game

WASHINGTON -- Former technology executive Carly Fiorina officially joined the race for the GOP presidential nomination, making her the first female Republican in the 2016 presidential race.

"I'm Carly Fiorina and I'm running for president," she said in her online announcement Monday.

The former Hewlett-Packard CEO said she will use her business experience to drive her campaign.

Fiorina also said her presence in the race could blunt the damaging "war on women" campaign tactic waged by Democrats.

"Hillary Clinton will play that card unless she faces me in a general election," she told CBN News' David Brody.

***Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson is also throwing his hat into the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Click here for more.

But making it that far will be an uphill climb. She's never won in politics before, though she considers that a good thing.

"I'm not a politician and I think that's actually really important. Ours was intended to be a citizens' government," she said.

Her campaign will be centered on economic matters, portraying herself as a tough, no-nonsense CEO.

"I think I'm the best person for the job because I understand how the economy actually works," Fiorina told ABC News on Monday. "I understand executive decision-making, which is making a tough call in a tough time with high stakes."

She's seen tough times in her personal life as well. In addition to beating breast cancer, she faced the death of her 35-year-old step daughter.

"I'm quite certain that I would not have been able to endure those without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm certain of that," she said.

What's also certain is Fiorina will add variety and spice to a male-dominated GOP race for president.