ATLANTA -- Former mayoral candidate Lisa Borders announced in a statement Wednesday afternoon that she endorses state Sen. Kasim Reed in the Dec. 1 mayoral runoff election.

“We spent some significant time working through our policy ideas," said Borders, who finished third in the general election. "Thoughtful, deliberative and accurate. That’s what we will always be. This team is unbeatable."

Borders met over the past week with both Reed and his opponent, Mary Norwood. Borders' support is seen as critical to the outcome of the runoff.

In her statement, Borders said: "After many months of campaigning, it is critical for us to come together as a demonstration of strength and unity. Atlanta lies at a critical crossroads and her very future depends on leadership that can unite us and move us forward. Now is the time to lay aside our differences and work in the best interest of all citizens to ensure each has the opportunity to rise to their full potential. Senator Reed's ideas for afterschool recreation centers, his focus on public safety and his willingness to work toward increasing revenue opportunities for Atlanta are in line with my policy objectives."

Borders officially announced the endorsement at a news conference with Reed by her side Wednesday afternoon.

"I will not divide this city to win an election," Reed said. "And Lisa Borders knows as much about bringing people together as any elected official that I have seen. We will confront the challenges that face Atlanta and she will be there every step of the way."

Reed's opponent, Mary Norwood, reacted to the endorsement during a campaign appearance Wednesday.

“At the end of the day it is how many total votes you have from people you think will best serve them," Norwood said. "As of the last election we had the most and we hope to do that again.”