North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan has filed for the 1st Congressional District seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky.

As of Tuesday, Mrvan, a Highland Democrat, was the most recent of 12 candidates to file for the 1st Congressional District primary, according to the Indiana Election Division.

Mrvan, son of State Sen. Frank Mrvan, learned from his father that public service is “one of the highest and noblest professions,” according to a press release announcing his candidacy.

Mrvan has been an advocate “for the vulnerable in society,” supportive of organized labor, workers, first responders and veterans and “focused on creating an economy that works for everyone,” according to a press release.

As North Township Trustee, Mrvan worked with the elderly to protect them from being economically exploited and ensure that they have the resources they need to conduct their daily activities, according to the release. If elected, Mrvan will continue to use his position to advocate for the elderly, according to the release.

“A public servant’s job is to do their very best to create an economy that works for everyone,” Mrvan said in the release. “I understand we must fight for the domestic steel industry against illegally imported steel and unfair trade agreements. I also understand our government must invest in educational opportunities and job training programs to ensure that everyone’s talents are realized in order to benefit our region.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, seven Democratic candidates have filed to run in the May primary: Mrvan; Scott Costello, Antonio Daggett, John Henry Hall, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster, and Jayson Reeves, according to the Indiana Election Division.

Five Republican candidates have filed to run for the seat in that primary: Dion Bergeron, Spencer T. Lemmons, Mark Leyva, William F. Powers and Delano M. Scaife, according to the Indiana Election Division.

Others announcing, but not officially filing, according to the Secretary of State’s website, include Jim Harper, a Porter County attorney, Melissa Borom, of Gary, Sabrina Haake, of Gary, Mark Spencer, of Gary, and former teacher Ryan Farrar.

The deadline to file is Feb. 7.