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 and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. He is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. 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 for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (6)

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

1978: Jeff Bell Republican Party Nominee for U.S. Senate

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

1996: Richard J. Pezzullo Ran for US Senate

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

1997: Obtained Juris Doctor from Yale Law School

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

1998: Elected to Municipal Council of Newark

In 1998, Cory Booker was elected to the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward, serving until 2002.

1999: Sharpe James Elected as State Senator

In 1999, Sharpe James, the incumbent mayor who Booker later ran against, was elected as a state senator.

2000: Murray Sabrin Ran for the Senate

In 2000, Ramapo College professor Murray Sabrin ran for the Senate.

January 9, 2002: Announced Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, running against incumbent Sharpe James. The campaign was contentious, with James resorting to mudslinging and questioning Booker's background. Although he garnered 47% of the vote, Booker lost the election.

2002: Served on the Municipal Council of Newark

Cory Booker served on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward until 2002.

2002: Lost Mayoral Election

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

2004: Booker Follows Obama as African-American Senator

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

February 11, 2006: Announced Mayoral Candidacy Again

On February 11, 2006, Cory Booker announced his second run for mayor of Newark. He won the May 9 election with 72% of the vote after raising over $6 million for his campaign.

June 20, 2006: Won Lawsuit Against James Administration

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in a lawsuit against the James administration. Booker had sought to terminate cut-rate land deals that favored redevelopment agencies and would cost the city money.

July 1, 2006: Took Office as Mayor of Newark

On July 1, 2006, Cory Booker took office as mayor of Newark. He announced a 100-day plan to implement reforms that included increasing police forces, ending background checks for many city jobs, refurbishing police stations, improving city services, and expanding summer youth programs.

2006: Became Mayor and crime dropped significantly

After Cory Booker became mayor in 2006, Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction from 2006 to 2008. He was also a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition.

2006: Became Mayor of Newark

In 2006, Cory Booker became the 38th mayor of Newark, a position he held until 2013.

2006: Defeated Ronald Rice in Mayoral Election

In 2006, Cory Booker ran for mayor again and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice. During his first term, he doubled affordable housing under development and reduced the city budget deficit significantly.

2008: Newark Leads the Nation in Crime Reduction

From 2006 to 2008, Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction during Cory Booker's mayoralty.

2008: Murray Sabrin Ran for the Senate

In 2008, Ramapo College professor Murray Sabrin ran for the Senate.

October 2009: Received 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.

2009: Turned down leadership of the White House Office of Urban Affairs

In 2009, after Barack Obama became President of the United States, Cory Booker was offered the leadership of the new White House Office of Urban Affairs, but he turned the offer down, citing a commitment to Newark.

March 2010: Won Shorty Award for Best Microblog

In March 2010, Cory Booker won a Shorty Award in the government category for having the best microblog.

April 3, 2010: Announced Candidacy for Reelection

On April 3, 2010, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for reelection as mayor of Newark. He was heavily favored to win and emphasized the importance of a "united government".

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, following conversations with Cory Booker. The announcement was made on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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 after he was about to attempt to do it himself.

2010: Reelected as Mayor

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 (now David Geffen Hall) at Lincoln Center.

May 2011: Gave commencement address at the University of Rhode Island

In May 2011, Cory Booker gave the commencement address at the University of Rhode Island and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

June 2011: Received honorary degree and served as commencement speaker at Williams College

In June 2011, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of laws degree for the urban transformation of Newark and served as that year's commencement speaker at Williams College.

May 12, 2012: Remarks on Meet the Press critical of Obama's campaign

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker appeared on Meet the Press and made remarks critical of Obama's reelection campaign, stating that attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital were "nauseating". The Romney campaign used these comments against Obama, leading to controversy.

May 2012: Received honorary degree and gave commencement speech at Bard College

In May 2012, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Bard College and gave the commencement speech.

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 invites Newarkers into his home after Hurricane Sandy

In late October 2012, after Hurricane Sandy devastated the shorelines of New Jersey and New York, Cory Booker invited Newark residents who lacked electricity and other essential services to stay and eat at his home.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council meeting

On November 20, 2012, a tumultuous incident occurred at a Newark City Council meeting that Cory Booker attended. The council was convened to vote on a successor for a vacated seat. Booker cast the deciding vote for Shanique Speight, leading to supporters of John Sharpe James storming the stage and riot police using pepper spray on the crowd. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 20, 2012: Booker Announces Exploration of Senate Run

On December 20, 2012, Cory Booker declared his intention to explore a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Frank Lautenberg in the 2014 election, ending speculation about a potential challenge to Governor Chris Christie in the 2013 gubernatorial election.

January 11, 2013: Booker Files Papers for Campaign Committee

On January 11, 2013, Cory Booker filed the necessary paperwork to establish a campaign committee, although he did not announce whether he would officially run for the U.S. Senate.

May 2013: Gave commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis

In May 2013, Cory Booker gave the commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis and received an honorary doctorate of law.

August 13, 2013: Booker wins Democratic Primary

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

August 2013: Resigned from Waywire board

In August 2013, Cory Booker told NBC News that 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 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

In December 2013, Cory Booker was one of the original cosponsors of Bob Menéndez's Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, which aimed to 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 to U.S. Senate in Special Election

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

2013: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2013, Cory Booker became the senior United States senator from New Jersey, a seat he has held since then.

2013: Booker Announces Candidacy for Senate Seat

In 2013, following the death of Frank Lautenberg, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for Lautenberg's seat in a special election, holding events in Newark and Willingboro to mark the announcement.

January 9, 2014: Brian D. Goldberg Seeks Republican Nomination

On January 9, 2014, Brian D. Goldberg, a West Orange resident and New Jersey businessman, announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

January 2014: Booker Co-Sponsors Respect for Marriage Act

In January 2014, Cory Booker co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act.

January 27, 2014: Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo Announces Candidacy

On January 27, 2014, Freehold Township businessman Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for US Senate. Pezzullo had run for the US Senate in 1996 as the Conservative Party candidate.

February 4, 2014: Jeff Bell Announces US Senate Nomination Bid

On February 4, 2014, conservative political consultant Jeff Bell announced his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Bell was the Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senate in 1978.

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

In February 2014, Cory 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: Lautenberg Not Seeking Reelection

About a month after Booker filed papers, in 2014, Frank Lautenberg, then 89, announced that he would not be seeking reelection.

2014: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

2016: Consideration as replacement ticket for Clinton

During the 2016 presidential election, when Hillary Clinton had an illness described as pneumonia, Donna Brazile considered that her ideal replacement ticket would consist of Joe Biden and Cory Booker. However, the possibility of a divisive reaction caused her to abandon the idea.

2016: Authored autobiography

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

Check it on Amazon

2016: Booker endorses Hillary Clinton for President

Leading up to the 2016 presidential election, Cory 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, Cory Booker testified against attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, following the election in which Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. This was the first instance of a sitting senator testifying against another during a cabinet position confirmation hearing.

April 2017: Criticism of US strike on Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the US strike on Syria, stating it was a military action "without a clear plan" or authorization from Congress.

September 2017: Co-sponsorship of 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: Vote against proposal to lower prescription drug prices

In 2017, Cory Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, which led to criticism that he was too dependent on corporate support.

April 2018: Booker Introduces Legislation to Limit Trump's Ability to Fire Special Counsel

In April 2018, after the FBI raided Michael Cohen's hotel room and offices, Cory Booker, along with others, introduced the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act to limit President Trump's ability to fire special counsel Robert Mueller. The legislation allowed a special counsel to receive an expedited judicial review within 10 days of being dismissed to determine the suitability of the dismissal.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, Cory Booker questioned Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings about emails marked "committee confidential", concerning discussions on racial profiling. Booker released the documents publicly, risking expulsion from the Senate, but defended his decision as challenging a sham hearing process.

2018: Booker Introduces Marijuana Justice Act

In 2018, Cory Booker introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, which would legalize cannabis on the federal level, defund some law enforcement in jurisdictions with racial bias in marijuana arrests, and increase funding to communities affected by the war on drugs. He also played a leading role in the passage of the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill.

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

In 2018, Cory Booker was named by Politico as part of the "Hell-No Caucus," after he voted against Trump's nominees for administration jobs. The senators were all considered potential 2020 presidential contenders.

February 1, 2019: Booker Announces Candidacy for President

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

December 2019: Failed to meet polling thresholds for sixth debate

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

January 13, 2020: Suspended 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 Runs for President

In 2020 Cory Booker ran for the Democratic nomination for president

2020: Losing presidential campaign

In 2020 presidential campaign, Booker was among senators that were all potential 2020 presidential contenders, losing in the primary to Joe Biden, who then chose Kamala Harris as his running mate.

2020: Booker Introduces Farm System Reform Act

In 2020, Cory Booker introduced the Farm System Reform Act (FSRA) to address the effects of large-scale industrial animal agriculture. The FSRA included a moratorium on the construction and expansion of CAFOs, with a plan to phase out existing large CAFOs by 2040.

2020: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

January 6, 2021: Booker Reacts to Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Cory Booker was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol. He blamed Trump for inciting the attack and called for the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

2021: Criticism for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a judgeship

In 2021, The American Prospect criticized Cory Booker and Bob Menendez for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship after she had spent much of her career defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

2022: Introduction of the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act

In 2022, Cory Booker introduced the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act, aiming to reform the industrial animal farming sector by holding large-scale operations accountable for their environmental, animal welfare, and labor practices. The act mandated that high-risk animal feeding operations register with the USDA, submit disaster preparedness plans, and contribute to a disaster mitigation fund.

2022: Voting for the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Cory Booker supported LGBTQ+ rights, voting for the Respect for Marriage Act.

2023: Opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act

In 2023, Cory Booker co-led a bipartisan letter urging the Senate Agriculture Committee to exclude the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act from the Farm Bill. Booker argued that the EATS Act would undermine states' rights and eliminate crucial protections for farm animals.

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

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

March 31, 2025: Marathon Speech in the 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" regarding changes made by the Trump administration. Booker's address lasted 25 hours and five minutes, surpassing Strom Thurmond's filibuster record.

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. April 1, 2025 was the last day of the speech.

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 was influenced by Booker's long-standing relationship with Kushner, dating back to Kushner's financial support for Booker's mayoral campaign in 2002.

2025: Vote against blocking arms sale to Israel

In 2025, Cory Booker was in a minority of Senate Democrats to vote against blocking the sale of military arms to Israel despite rising death tolls from its war on Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid resulting in severe cases of starvation.

2040: Farm System Reform Act

In 2020, Cory Booker introduced the Farm System Reform Act (FSRA) with a plan to phase out existing large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) by 2040.