Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was the first to her candidacy just a few months into Newsom’s second term. Tony Thurmond, the Black state superintendent of public instruction, is former Controller Betty Yee.

Source: https://halifax.citynews.ca/2023/11/16/californias-first-lesbian-senate-leader-could-make-history-again-if-she-runs-for-governor/

NP3 executive director Sharon Maccini, NP3 board member Sumiti Mehta, Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond, and NP3 board members Deb Wurgler and David Hunt.

Source: https://www.natomasbuzz.com/2023/04/seen-in-natomas-state-superintendent-of-schools/

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is ejected from the Chino Valley Unified school board meeting.

Source: https://www.worldtribune.com/greatest-hits-11-school-board-ejects-california-superintendent-who-opposed-notifying-parents-of-kids-gender-transition/