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 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

1992: Booker admitted that as a teenager he had "hated gays."

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

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.

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.

2013: Refusal to Address Gay Rumors

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

2017: Voted against lowering prescription drug prices

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

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."

September 2018: Column brought up during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings

In September 2018, The Daily Caller and Fox News brought up Cory Booker's 1992 column during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

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.

November 2022: Wrote Letter of Support for Elizabeth Holmes

In November 2022, Cory Booker wrote a letter of support and leniency for Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes to the federal judge before her sentencing hearing.