— Mayor Nancy McFarlane outlasted challenger Charles Francis in Raleigh's first mayoral runoff in 16 years to win her fourth two-year term.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, McFarlane was in front of challenger Charles Francis by 58 to 42 percent. Only 17 percent of registered voters in Wake County cast ballots Tuesday in races in Raleigh and nine other cities and towns.

WRAL News has comprehensive results online and on television.

"It's very heartwarming to know that ... most of the city really does appreciate and value the work we've done in the past six to 10 years," McFarlane told supporters in downtown Raleigh. "I really do think that Raleigh really appreciates and obviously embraces the message of unity and coming together and working on solutions as opposed to partisan politics and division."

Francis was endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party, and he emphasized that support in his populist campaign.

While McFarlane touted her experience and Raleigh's national stature as a good place for business and families, Francis argued that many neighborhoods in Raleigh have been left behind as the city grows. Affordable housing, accessibility to transit and economic development have been common themes from both camps.

Precinct results across the city showed a clear divide between the candidates, with most areas east of Capital Boulevard backing Francis and most to the west favoring McFarlane.

"Although this was not exactly the result that we were all looking for," Francis told his supporters, "what I know deep in my heart and I think what all of you here know is that we did win tonight. This campaign for a better Raleigh that includes and respects all people in Raleigh is just beginning."

While congratulating McFarlane on her victory, he continued to call for more inclusion in decision-making as Raleigh grows and more equity among neighborhoods in how the city spends its money.

"Growth in Raleigh should benefit more people in our quality of life and in our income and in our wealth," he said. "Growth is not just for buildings and population and people that are going to be here years from now. It's for those of us who are here right now."

McFarlane said she wants to engage more people so that everyone feels that their voices are heard.

"It's all about planning for this growth because that is the crux of most of the issues we're hearing about – affordability, transportation, the congestion and traffic and how do we accommodate all these people that are coming and keep the character of Raleigh," she said.

Francis was able to grab enough support during a three-person race in October to force a runoff, the city's first since Charles Meeker narrowly defeated incumbent Paul Coble in 2001.

McFarlane, who is unaffiliated politically, bemoaned the partisan stance, fearing a runoff would only divide the city. Raleigh has prospered, she said in recent weeks, because generations of leaders have put partisanship aside to focus on the best interests of the city.

"I'm really looking forward to the things we're going to do the next two years," she told her cheering supporters Tuesday before her granddaughter, Maddie Thompson, ran up to give her a hug.

"This is why we do it," McFarlane said as she lifted the girl up.

But McFarlane's political tree apparently doesn't extend to her granddaughter.

"Do you want to be mayor, Maddie?" she asked.

When the answer came back "no," McFarlane laughed and said with a knowing smile, "That's my girl."