ST. PAUL — Ethnic and gender diversity will among Gov. Mark Dayton’s considerations as he prepares to fill two upcoming openings on the Minnesota Supreme Court, the Democrat said Monday.

The application period closes Tuesday for the seat now held by Justice Alan Page, who reaches the mandatory retirement age in August. Another justice, Wilhelmina Wright, would leave the court if her nomination for a federal judgeship is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. They are the only black justices on the court.

“I’m conscious of the diversity factor,” Dayton told reporters after giving welcoming remarks to a national gathering of American Indian tribal leaders. “I’m also conscious that when Justice Wright departs there will be only one woman, the chief justice at that point. That’s also a consideration.”

Dayton said he expects a difficult decision ahead of his anticipated August selection of Page’s successor.