CHARLOTTE -- The three major cities in the state will soon have female mayors, following the election of Jennifer Roberts in Charlotte.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan of Greensboro and Mayor Nancy McFarlane of Raleigh were both re-elected in Tuesday's election. Some political experts say women in office is a growing trend, sparked by national candidates such as Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina.

Charlotte Mayor-Elect Jennifer Roberts is the first female voted into the position in more than 20 years. She will join Greensboro's Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Raleigh's Mayor Nancy McFarlane leading the state's largest cities.

"It's about building relationships, and if there are areas of common interest or points we connect on, even better,” said Roberts.

Some think the relationships may be easily molded because the mayors are women. But don't be fooled, the trio is focused on the job and not their gender.

"The fact that we're three female mayors, I don't think that we'll necessarily do anything differently,” said Vaughan. “I don't know [if] we should label ourselves by gender, but [by] the fact that we're strong mayors of great cities."

Political Science Professor Eric Heberlig says historically women do well in local, smaller elections. But usually need more convincing to run. Heberlig says things are changing in politics, especially with national candidates like Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina.

"When women see other women run for office and when they see them holding office, that sets a model to say, 'Hey, I can do this too. People like me can do this position, too,'" said Heberlig.

The mayors say it's about time there are more women leaders, although they agree the challenges are no different then their male counterparts.

"I don't think it's getting easier for anyone in this political world,” said McFarlane. “Women versus men- I think we all face challenges."

The mayors say they are ready to tackle all challenges.