RALEIGH – Mayor Nancy McFarlane says she’s willing to debate mayoral candidate Charles Francis.

Francis, a Raleigh attorney, will now face McFarlane to a runoff election next month.

Neither of them managed to secure 50 percent plus one vote in last week’s election.

Francis announced his runoff intentions over the weekend and challenged McFarlane to debate.

While Francis says the election results prove new leadership is needed, Mayor McFarlane calls the political rhetoric divisive.

“He made mention of the fact that less than 50 percent of the voters voted for me, but you know, about a third voted for him,” said Mayor McFarlane. “So, I’m thinking he has a log of ground to make up, and it’s certainly his legal right to call for a runoff. I’m ready to fight for the office.”

There’s no word on when the debate will be set.

The runoff election night is November 7, but early voting begins Thursday.