ST. PAUL — A former Minnesota Democratic congressman, a retired Republican legislator and the ex-state transportation commissioner are in the running to land coveted seats on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

They and 16 other candidates learn Thursday who will stay in contention for five seats on the university’s 12-member governing board. The Legislature will elect regents in coming weeks, with 101 Democratic legislators and 100 Republicans doing the voting.

Among the potential regents: former U.S. Rep. Bill Luther, former Moorhead Rep. Morrie Lanning and former transportation boss Tom Sorel. Current Board of Regents Chairman Richard Beeson is hoping to gain another six-year term.

Four slots are filled every two years. Regent David Larson died before his term was up so someone will be chosen to complete his remaining two years.