Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Cory Booker

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

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

Cory Booker is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey 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 held a position on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002.

Sections (6)

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

1998: Booker Wins Newark Council Seat

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark and went on a 10-day hunger strike to protest open-air drug dealing.

January 9, 2002: Booker Announces Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James, which led to a contentious election.

June 2006: Assassination plot foiled

In June 2006, before Cory Booker took office as mayor, investigators foiled a plot by Bloods gang leaders to assassinate him.

May 12, 2012: Controversial remarks on Meet the Press

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker generated controversy on Meet the Press, criticizing attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital and stating that attacks on private equity were nauseating. His communications director later resigned.

April 2017: Criticized US strike on Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the US strike on Syria, citing the lack of a clear plan or authorization from Congress.

2017: Booker 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: Voted against lowering prescription drug prices

In 2017, Cory Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, leading to criticism about his dependence on corporate support.

September 2018: The Daily Caller and Fox News brought up Booker's old column during Kavanaugh confirmation hearings

In September 2018, during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, The Daily Caller and Fox News referenced a 1992 column written by Booker.

2020: Criticism during presidential bid

During his 2020 presidential bid, Cory Booker faced criticism from the Republican National Committee for being disingenuous and from progressives for fundraising and ties to the business community.

2021: Criticized for recommending Christine O'Hearne for judgeship

In 2021, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez were criticized by The American Prospect for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship, citing her career history of defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

November 2022: Letter of Support for Elizabeth Holmes

In November 2022, Cory Booker wrote a letter supporting leniency for Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes to the federal judge assigned to sentence her.

April 1, 2025: Booker Delivers Longest Speech in 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.

August 2025: Voted against blocking arms sales to Israel

In August 2025, Cory Booker voted against an effort led by Bernie Sanders to block the sale of military arms to Israel amid the Gaza war and humanitarian crisis.