Warsaw Joe Thallemer (center) has been endorsed by 13 mayors across northern Indiana for his re-election campaign. Eleven of those mayors are pictured above.

WARSAW — Mayors from 13 cities in northern Indiana have recently endorsed Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer’s re-election campaign.

Thallemer, who is seeking a third term, faces Republican City Councilman Ron Shoemaker in the May 7 primary.

The mayors issued a joint statement on Sunday.

“We’ve had the opportunity to get to know Mayor Joe over the past few years and have admired his leadership and all the great work he has accomplished in the city of Warsaw.  Joe not only has done an effective job in his role as mayor by making Warsaw a model for others to follow but has also taken on a leadership role in the State of Indiana on our efforts to promote local control and efficient, effective local government.

We have admired Joe’s great leadership characteristics and values, but he also possesses what we think is the most important requirement for the job of mayor, an unwavering love and passion for the people and the city that he represents.”

The list of mayors includes four Democrats and nine Republicans.

They include Dave Wood,  Mishawaka; Mark Senter, Plymouth; Ryan Daniel, Columbia City, Jeremy Stutsman, Goshen; Phil Jenkins, Nappanee; Ted Ellis,  Bluffton; Joe Kelsey, Woodburn; Dave Kitchell, Logansport, Terry McDonald, New Haven; Bill McKean, Berne; Ken Meyer, Decatur; Joe Stahura; Whiting; Norm Yoder, Auburn.

Daniel endorsed Thallemer last week but was included in this roundup of endorsements.