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. 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

June 2006: Assassination Plot Foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him. The plot was led by Bloods gang leaders inside four New Jersey state prisons. The motive was described as a response to the acrimonious campaign and Booker's promises to take a harder line on crime.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

September 2018: Stanford Daily column resurfaced

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

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.

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 before her sentencing hearing.

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.