Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Cory Booker

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Cory Booker.

Cory Booker is an American politician and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Before his Senate career, Booker was the 38th mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 2006 to 2013. Prior to that, he served on the Newark Municipal Council representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker's career has been marked by his involvement in municipal and national politics.

Sections (6)

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

1992: Booker admits to having "hated gays" as a teenager

In 1992, in a column in The Stanford Daily, Cory Booker admitted that as a teenager he had "hated gays."

January 9, 2002: Announced Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James. The campaign was marked by mudslinging and accusations.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council Meeting

On November 20, 2012, a melee occurred at a Newark City Council meeting attended by Cory Booker. The council was voting on a successor to Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s 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. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

2013: Booker refuses to address gay rumors

In 2013, Cory Booker generally refused to address rumors that he was gay on principle.

January 11, 2017: Booker Testifies Against Jeff Sessions

On January 11, 2017, Cory Booker testified against attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, the first instance of a sitting senator testifying against another during a cabinet position confirmation hearing, after Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

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.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Cory Booker questioned Kavanaugh on emails marked "committee confidential" and released them publicly the next day. The emails showed discussions of racial profiling, and Booker defended his decision despite potential consequences.

2018: Booker Part of 'Hell-No Caucus'

In 2018, Politico named Cory Booker part of the "Hell-No Caucus", along with Senators Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, for voting against Trump's nominees for administration jobs.

January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack and Booker's Response

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

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.