Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cory Booker

Discover the career path of Cory Booker, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cory Booker is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he is New Jersey's first African-American U.S. Senator. Prior to his Senate career, Booker served as the 38th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He also served on the Municipal Council of Newark representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker's career has been marked by his focus on urban development and social justice issues.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1991: Graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science

In 1991, Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

1992: Graduated from Stanford University with a Master of Arts in sociology

In 1992, Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a Master of Arts in sociology.

1994: Earned degree in United States history at Oxford

In 1994, Cory Booker earned a degree in United States history from The Queen's College, Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar.

1997: Obtained Juris Doctor from Yale Law School

In 1997, Cory Booker obtained his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and operated free legal clinics for low-income residents of New Haven, Connecticut.

1998: Won seat on Municipal Council of Newark

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark, defeating four-term incumbent George Branch. He went on a 10-day hunger strike to address open-air drug dealing and violence.

January 9, 2002: Announced Campaign for Mayor of Newark

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James.

February 11, 2006: Announced run for Mayor of Newark

On February 11, 2006, Cory Booker announced his second run for mayor of Newark after Sharpe James decided not to seek reelection.

June 20, 2006: Court Ruled in Booker's Favor

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Booker's favor, supporting his lawsuit against the James administration over cut-rate land deals.

July 1, 2006: Took office as Mayor of Newark

On July 1, 2006, Cory Booker took office as mayor of Newark and announced a 100-day plan to implement reforms.

October 2009: Received the Sarah Brady Visionary Award

In October 2009, Cory Booker received the Sarah Brady Visionary Award from the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence for his work in reducing gun violence as mayor of Newark.

March 2010: Newark had first murder-free month in over 44 years

March 2010 marked Newark's first murder-free month in over 44 years during Cory Booker's mayoralty.

April 3, 2010: Announced candidacy for reelection

On April 3, 2010, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for reelection as mayor of Newark.

September 2010: Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark schools

In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg announced that he was donating $100 million to the Newark school system after meeting Cory Booker. The gift was announced on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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October 10, 2010: Established Let's Move! Newark

On October 10, 2010, Cory Booker established Let's Move! Newark as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's national Let's Move! initiative against childhood obesity.

October 2012: Invited Newarkers to his home after Hurricane Sandy

In late October 2012, after Hurricane Sandy, Cory Booker invited Newarkers without electricity to eat and sleep in his home.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council meeting

On November 20, 2012, Cory Booker attended a Newark City Council meeting where a melee occurred during a vote to fill a vacant council seat. Booker cast the deciding vote for Shanique Speight, leading to a disturbance by supporters of John Sharpe James that required riot police intervention and the use of pepper spray. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: SNAP Food Budget Challenge

In December 2012, Cory Booker began a week-long challenge to live on a $30 food budget, equivalent to the amount New Jersey paid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This was to spark a discussion about Americans relying solely on food stamps to survive.

December 20, 2012: Booker explores running for U.S. Senate

On December 20, 2012, Cory Booker announced he was exploring a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Frank Lautenberg in the 2014 election.

August 13, 2013: Booker wins Democratic primary for Senate seat

On August 13, 2013, Cory Booker won the Democratic primary with approximately 59% of the vote and proceeded to win the general election in October.

November 2013: Booker co-sponsors and votes for Employment Non-Discrimination Act

In November 2013, Cory Booker co-sponsored and voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

December 2013: Booker co-sponsors Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013

In December 2013, Cory Booker co-sponsored the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, which would toughen sanctions against Iran.

January 2014: Booker co-sponsors Respect for Marriage Act

In January 2014, Cory Booker cosponsored the Respect for Marriage Act.

February 2014: Booker votes against Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013

In February 2014, Cory Booker voted against the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.

January 11, 2017: Booker testifies against Jeff Sessions

On January 11, 2017, Cory Booker testified against attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, marking the first instance of a sitting senator testifying against another during a cabinet position confirmation hearing.

April 2018: Introduction of Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act

In April 2018, Cory Booker, along with Chris Coons, Lindsey Graham, and Thom Tillis, introduced the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act. This legislation aimed to limit President Trump's ability to fire special counsel Robert Mueller by allowing an expedited judicial review of any dismissal.

September 5, 2018: Booker questions Kavanaugh on "committee confidential" emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Cory Booker questioned Kavanaugh on emails marked "committee confidential" related to racial profiling discussions. Despite warnings, Booker released the documents publicly, defending his decision by calling the document production process a "sham".

February 1, 2019: Booker announces candidacy for president

On February 1, 2019, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in the 2020 election.

March 31, 2025: Booker delivers marathon speech in Senate

On March 31, 2025, Cory Booker began a marathon speech in the U.S. Senate, vowing to speak "for as long as I am physically able" to protest changes made by the Trump administration. Booker's address lasted 25 hours and five minutes, surpassing Strom Thurmond's filibuster record.

May 2025: Booker votes to confirm Charles Kushner

In May 2025, Cory Booker was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Charles Kushner as United States Ambassador to France. This decision came as Booker and Kushner have a relationship that goes back decades, dating to when Kushner provided financial support for Booker's first unsuccessful run for mayor in 2002.