GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- Former Hewlett Packard Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina, once considered the most powerful businesswoman in all of America, announced Wednesday that she is running for the United States Senate.

Fiorina is a Republican who could provide Senator Barbara Boxer with her most serious challenge yet.

At her announcement in Garden Grove, Orange County, Fiorina immediately addressed the change in appearance. She now has very short hair.

"What is with the hair? Well I am happy to tell you that having been through surgery and chemotherapy and radiation, breast cancer is officially behind me," Fiorina said.

"Today you are looking at a woman with a renewed determination to give back and make the most of her life," continued Fiorina. "And I have to say that after chemotherapy, Barbara Boxer just isn't that scary anymore."

Fiorina labels herself a fiscal conservative. "So let's start with no new taxes," she said during her announcement.

The political newcomer called Senate veteran Boxer a liberal do-nothing.

Boxer was in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. Her campaign issued this statement: "California needs a senator who will fight to create jobs - not a failed CEO who laid off 28,000 Americans and shipped jobs overseas."

According to tech industry analyst Charles King, Fiorina's tenure at HP wasn't smooth.

"While HP made some forward progress under Fiorina, it also hit some very serious bumps in the road," said King.

There were layoffs. Eventually Fiorina herself was fired. But HP gave her a $20 million severance.

Analysts say that up until now, Senator Boxer has led a politically charmed life. All of her Republican opponents have been conservative men, popular with the GOP base but not with moderates and independents.

"A hypothetical matchup with Carly Fiorina is much tougher for her," observed USF professor Corey Cook.

It's tougher because Boxer wouldn't be able to paint her opponent as someone insensitive to women's issues.

"Running against a woman candidate who is a survivor of breast cancer is someone that will pose an interesting challenge on social issues," said Cook.

But first Fiorina has to win the Republican primary. Her opponent is Chuck Devore, a conservative State Assemblyman from Orange County.