CHARLOTTE -- We're still months away from the 2018 elections, but some people are already announcing their candidacy.

And early reports show we're seeing a lot more women running for office.

According to the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics, the number of potential women cadidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2018 election is double that of 2012.

In 2012, there were 161 potential women candidates.

For the 2018 cycle, there are already 354 women candidates.

Here in North Carolina, Aimy Steele is running to represent the 82nd state House district, which is Concord.

Steele is an elementary school principal.

She told us “What better time to run than now? And so now is the time.”

Political expert Dr. Susan Roberts told us seeing more women running for office isn’t too surprising.

“This is a perfect storm,” she said.

Roberts explained, after last year’s Women’s March and various other current events that highlighted issues affecting women, “You've had I think growing restless among women about Obamacare, at least some women, because healthcare, education and the environment are chief issues for women.”

And Roberts believes the increased number we see now is only the beginning.

“I think it's going to really contribute to a steady long-term increase in women seeking political office,” she said.

Steele said “Women comprise half of the population of the entire United States. I'm going to step up. I'm going to run now, and I'm going to take back what is rightfully ours.”