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 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

1992: Booker Admits to Hating Gays

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

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.

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.

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".

January 6, 2021: Booker responds to U.S. Capitol attack

On January 6, 2021, as Cory Booker participated in the certification of the 2021 Electoral College vote count, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Booker was evacuated and later blamed Trump for inciting the attack, calling for the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and suggesting impeachment if necessary.

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.