This week, we look at the impact of women in North Carolina politics and data that shows while women make up 54 percent of registered voters, they hold roughly 25 percent of elective and appointed office. Host Donna Martinez digs into new research data with the report’s author, Dr. David McLennan, a visiting professor of political science at Meredith College. The two discuss challenges women face, efforts to recruit more women into running for office, the political affiliations of women, and some of the female role models in North Carolina politics. Then we turn to presidential politics with the announcement from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz that he will seek the Republican nomination for president. Cruz will make an appearance in Raleigh on April 13. You’ll hear some of his announcement made this week at Liberty University. That’s followed by a look at the debate over when North Carolina’s presidential primary will be held and the possible consequences for the GOP by pushing to move the primary from May to February or March. Martinez talks with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson about why the political class wants the move, and why national party leaders don’t. The two also discuss the large GOP field and the pros and cons for candidates who are part of a bruising primary election contest. They also look at behind-the-scenes maneuvering in Congress that helped bring 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry into a position of power at a young age.