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 for New Jersey since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he holds the distinction of being the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Prior to his Senate tenure, Booker served as the 38th mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. His political career began with a role on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, establishing his roots in local government.

Sections (6)

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

1957: Booker Surpasses Strom Thurmond's 1957 Filibuster Record

On March 31, 2025, Booker surpassed Strom Thurmond's 24-hour-and-18 minute-long filibuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

1960: Booker Compares Himself to Spartacus

On September 5, 2018, Cory Booker described his release of confidential documents during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings as "probably the closest I'll ever have in my life to an 'I am Spartacus' moment", referring to a line in the 1960 film Spartacus.

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1978: Bell was the Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senate in 1978

Jeff Bell was the Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senate in 1978.

1996: Pezzullo ran for US Senate in 1996

In 1996, Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo ran for the US Senate as the Conservative Party candidate.

1998: Served on the Municipal Council of Newark

In 1998, Cory Booker served on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward.

1999: Sharpe James elected as state senator

In 1999, Sharpe James was elected as a state senator.

2000: Sabrin ran for the Senate in 2000

Ramapo College professor Murray Sabrin ran for the Senate in 2000.

January 9, 2002: Announced Campaign for Mayor of Newark

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark rather than running for reelection as councilman, which pitted him against incumbent Sharpe James.

2002: End of term on the Municipal Council of Newark

In 2002 Cory Booker's term on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward ended.

2002: Lost mayoral race to Sharpe James

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.

2002: Mayoral Campaign

In 2002, Filmmaker Marshall Curry chronicled Booker's mayoral campaign in the documentary Street Fight.

2002: Kushner Supported Booker's Mayoral Run in 2002

In May 2025, it came to light that Booker and Charles Kushner had a relationship going back decades, dating to when Kushner provided financial support for Booker's first unsuccessful run for mayor in 2002.

2004: First African-American Elected to the Senate Since Barack Obama in 2004

Cory Booker was the first African-American to be elected to the Senate since Barack Obama in 2004.

2005: Street Fight Documentary Nomination

In 2005, The film Street Fight, which documented Booker's 2002 mayoral campaign, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

February 11, 2006: Announced Mayoral Run

On February 11, 2006, Cory Booker announced that he would run for mayor again. His campaign outspent Rice's 25 to 1.

June 20, 2006: Judge ruled in Booker's favor against James' administration

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in his lawsuit against the James administration over cut-rate land deals. The land deals would cost the city more than $15 million in lost revenue.

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.

2006: Became mayor of Newark

In 2006, Cory Booker became the 38th mayor of Newark.

2006: Defeated Ronald Rice to become Mayor

In 2006, Cory Booker ran again for mayor and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice. Booker's first term saw the doubling of affordable housing under development and the reduction of the city budget deficit from $180 million to $73 million.

2008: City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

In 2008, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

2008: Sabrin ran for the Senate in 2008

Ramapo College professor Murray Sabrin ran for the Senate in 2008.

October 2009: Received Sarah Brady Visionary Award

In October 2009, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence gave Cory Booker the Sarah Brady Visionary Award for his work in reducing gun violence.

2009: Turned down White House Office of Urban Affairs Leadership

In 2009, Cory Booker turned down the leadership of the new White House Office of Urban Affairs, citing his commitment to Newark.

2009: City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

In 2009, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

2009: Satirical Feud with Conan O'Brien

In the fall of 2009, Cory Booker engaged in a satirical on-air and YouTube feud with Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien, which eventually resulted in donations to the City of Newark and the Newark Now charity.

2009: Starred in Brick City

Since 2009, Cory Booker has starred in the documentary series Brick City, which focuses on his efforts to improve Newark. Brick City won a Peabody Award in 2009.

April 3, 2010: Announced Candidacy for Reelection

On April 3, 2010, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for reelection as mayor of Newark, emphasizing the importance of a "united government".

September 2010: Zuckerberg Donated $100 Million to Newark School System

In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg announced he was donating $100 million to the Newark school system, following conversations with Cory Booker about his plans for Newark. 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.

December 28, 2010: Shoveled Constituent's Driveway

On December 28, 2010, Cory Booker gained national attention when he responded to a constituent's request on Twitter by personally shoveling her elderly father's driveway.

2010: Brick City Emmy nomination

In 2010, Brick City, a documentary series that Cory Booker has starred in since 2009, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

2010: Reelected as Mayor of Newark

In 2010, Cory Booker was reelected as Mayor of Newark.

May 13, 2011: Delivered Commencement Address at New York Law School

On May 13, 2011, Cory Booker delivered the commencement address to New York Law School graduates at Avery Fisher Hall.

October 2011: Expanded Let's Move! Newark Program

In October 2011, Cory Booker expanded the Let's Move! Newark program to include Let's Move! Newark: Our Power, a four-month fitness challenge for Newark public school students.

2011: Contributed to Miss Representation Documentary

In 2011, Cory Booker contributed to the documentary Miss Representation and commented on the representations of women in politics in mass media.

2011: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid in 2011

In 2011, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, leading to a memorandum of understanding between the city and the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

May 12, 2012: Controversial Meet the Press appearance

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker generated controversy after criticizing Obama's reelection campaign on Meet the Press.

June 17, 2012: Delivered Commencement Address at Stanford University

On June 17, 2012, Cory Booker delivered a commencement address to Stanford University graduates at Stanford Stadium.

October 2012: Booker Opens Home After Hurricane Sandy

In late October 2012, after Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and New York's shorelines, Booker invited Newark residents without electricity and services to stay at his home.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council Meeting

On November 20, 2012, a melee occurred at a Newark City Council meeting attended by Booker. The council was voting on a successor to Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s seat, with Booker supporting Shanique Speight. Booker cast the deciding vote for Speight, leading to a disturbance and the use of pepper spray by riot police. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: Booker Attempts to Live on a $30 Food Budget

In December 2012, Cory Booker began a week-long challenge to live on a $30 food budget, equivalent to New Jersey's SNAP benefits. This was after discussions with a constituent about New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Booker aimed to spark a discussion about those relying solely on food stamps.

December 20, 2012: Booker Considers Running for U.S. Senate

On December 20, 2012, Booker announced he would explore running for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Frank Lautenberg in the 2014 election, ending speculation about a potential challenge to Governor Chris Christie.

2012: Formed Waywire

In 2012, Cory Booker, Sarah Ross, and Nathan Richardson formed Waywire, a video sharing technology company.

2012: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid in 2012

In 2012, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, leading to a memorandum of understanding between the city and the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

January 11, 2013: Booker Files Papers to Form Campaign Committee

On January 11, 2013, Booker filed papers to form a campaign committee, without explicitly announcing his Senate run.

August 13, 2013: Booker Wins Democratic Primary

On August 13, 2013, Booker won the Democratic primary with approximately 59% of the vote.

August 2013: Intended to Resign from Waywire Board

In August 2013, Cory Booker told NBC News he intended to resign from the Waywire board and put his holdings in a trust if elected to the Senate.

November 2013: Booker Co-Sponsors and Votes for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

In November 2013, 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, Booker was an original cosponsor of Bob Menéndez's Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, which would toughen sanctions against Iran. He also voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.

2013: Elected as U.S. Senator from New Jersey

In 2013, Cory Booker was elected as the senior United States Senator from New Jersey. He is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey.

2013: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2013, Cory Booker was elected to the U.S. Senate in New Jersey's special election.

2013: Booker Announces Senate Candidacy After Lautenberg's Death

In 2013, after Lautenberg's death from viral pneumonia, Booker announced his intention to run for Lautenberg's seat in a special election. He announced his candidacy at events in Newark and Willingboro.

January 9, 2014: Brian D. Goldberg Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On January 9, 2014, Brian D. Goldberg announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

January 2014: Booker Cosponsors Respect for Marriage Act

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

January 27, 2014: Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On January 27, 2014, Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

February 4, 2014: Jeff Bell Announces Bid for U.S. Senate Nomination

On February 4, 2014, conservative political consultant Jeff Bell announced his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

February 2014: Booker Votes Against Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013

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

May 16, 2014: Gave Commencement Speech at Ramapo College of New Jersey

On May 16, 2014, Cory Booker gave the commencement speech at Ramapo College of New Jersey at the IZOD Center.

2014: 2014 Senate Election

In 2014, Booker was considering a run for U.S. Senate. Frank Lautenberg held the seat.

2014: Began Practicing a Vegan Diet

In 2014, Cory Booker began practicing a vegan diet and has expressed his vegan ethical philosophy and advocacy for animals.

2014: Reelected to the U.S. Senate

In 2014, Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

2015: Appeared in Parks and Recreation Episode

In 2015, Cory Booker appeared in a scene in the Parks and Recreation episode "Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington" alongside Orrin Hatch.

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2016: Considered as Clinton's potential running mate

During the 2016 presidential election, Donna Brazile considered Cory Booker as Clinton's potential replacement ticket with Biden.

2016: Wrote United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good

In 2016, Cory Booker wrote his autobiography, United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good.

United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good

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2016: Booker Endorses Hillary Clinton

Leading up to the 2016 presidential election, Booker endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination and was considered a potential vice-presidential candidate.

January 11, 2017: Booker Testifies Against Jeff Sessions

On January 11, 2017, after Donald Trump defeated Clinton, 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 2017: Criticized Military Action in Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the U.S. strike on Syria for lacking a clear plan or congressional authorization.

September 2017: Co-sponsored Medicare for All bill

In September 2017, Cory Booker joined Bernie Sanders and 14 other co-sponsors in submitting a single-payer health care plan to Congress called the "Medicare for All" bill.

2017: Testified against Jeff Sessions

In 2017, Cory Booker became the first senator to ever testify against another senator during attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions's confirmation hearing.

2017: Voted against lowering prescription drug prices

In 2017, Cory Booker faced criticism for voting against a proposal aimed at lowering prescription drug prices.

April 2018: Booker Introduces Legislation to Limit Trump's Ability to Fire Robert Mueller

In April 2018, after the FBI raided Michael Cohen's offices, Booker, along with Chris Coons, Lindsey Graham, and Thom Tillis, introduced the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act to limit President Trump's ability to fire special counsel Robert Mueller. The legislation would allow an "expedited judicial review" following a dismissal.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Booker questioned Kavanaugh on a series of emails marked "committee confidential." He released the documents the next day, showing discussions of racial profiling. Booker said he was violating Senate rules but defended his decision, leading to accusations of "theatrics."

2018: Booker Introduces the Marijuana Justice Act

In 2018, Booker introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, which would legalize cannabis on the federal level, defund law enforcement with racial bias in marijuana arrests, and increase funding to affected communities.

2018: Booker Named Part of the "Hell-No Caucus"

In 2018, Politico named Booker part of the "Hell-No Caucus" for his votes against Trump's nominees for administration jobs. The senators, including Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, were all considered potential 2020 presidential contenders.

February 1, 2019: Booker Announces Candidacy for President

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

December 2019: Failed to Meet Debate Thresholds

In December 2019, Cory Booker failed to meet the polling thresholds required to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate.

January 13, 2020: Suspended 2020 Presidential Campaign

On January 13, 2020, Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

March 2020: Endorsed Joe Biden for President

In March 2020, Cory Booker endorsed former vice president Joe Biden for president after suspending his own campaign.

2020: Booker Loses Primary to Joe Biden

In 2020, Booker launched a presidential campaign and lost in the primary to Joe Biden, who then chose Kamala Harris as his running mate.

2020: Reelected to the U.S. Senate

In 2020, Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

2020: Booker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in the 2020 election

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

January 6, 2021: Booker Evacuated During Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Booker was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Booker and his fellow senators were evacuated. He blamed Trump for inciting the attack and called for the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

2021: Criticized for recommending Christine O'Hearne for judgeship

In 2021, The American Prospect criticized Cory Booker and Bob Menendez for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship.

2022: Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Cory Booker demonstrated his support for LGBTQ+ rights by voting for the Respect for Marriage Act.

August 20, 2024: Became New Jersey's Senior Senator

On August 20, 2024, Cory Booker became New Jersey's senior senator after Bob Menendez resigned.

2024: Appeared in Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment

In 2024, Cory Booker appeared in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment.

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March 31, 2025: Booker Delivers Marathon Senate Speech

On March 31, 2025, Booker began a marathon speech in the U.S. Senate, lasting 25 hours and five minutes. He surpassed Strom Thurmond's filibuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, speaking against changes made by the Trump administration.

April 1, 2025: Delivered Longest Speech in U.S. Senate History

From March 31 to April 1, 2025, Cory Booker delivered the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, lasting 25 hours and five minutes, in protest of the second presidency of Donald Trump.