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 the senior United States Senator from 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 on the Municipal Council of Newark, representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, marking his early involvement in local governance and public service.

Sections (6)

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

1992: Admits to Hating Gays in Column

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

January 9, 2002: Announced campaign for mayor of Newark

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

June 2006: Assassination plot foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him, led by Bloods gang leaders inside four New Jersey state prisons.

May 12, 2012: Controversial Comments on Meet the Press

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker appeared on Meet the Press and made remarks critical of Obama's reelection campaign, stating that the attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital were "nauseating." This generated controversy and was used against Obama's campaign.

November 20, 2012: Newark City Council Meeting Melee

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, which was quelled by riot police using pepper spray. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

2013: Refuses to Address Gay Rumors

In 2013, Cory Booker has generally refused to address rumors about being gay on principle.

January 11, 2017: Booker Testifies Against Jeff Sessions

On January 11, 2017, Cory Booker testified against attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions during a cabinet position confirmation hearing.

April 2017: Criticism of US Strike on Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the US strike on Syria, stating that the military action was taken "without a clear plan" or authorization from Congress.

2017: Vote Against Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

In 2017, Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, leading to criticism that he was too dependent on corporate support.

2017: Testified against Jeff Sessions

In 2017, Cory Booker was 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 "committee confidential" emails from Kavanaugh's time in the White House Counsel's office. Booker released the emails, potentially violating Senate rules, and defended his actions, inviting consequences and comparing the release to an "I am Spartacus" moment. Committee chairman Chuck Grassley said the documents had already been cleared for public release.

September 2018: Column Resurfaces During Kavanaugh Hearings

In September 2018, Cory Booker's 1992 column in The Stanford Daily was brought up during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

2018: Booker Named Part of 'Hell-No Caucus'

In 2018, Politico named Cory Booker part of the "Hell-No Caucus", for voting "overwhelmingly to thwart [Trump's] nominees for administration jobs".

January 6, 2021: Booker Responds to Capitol Attack

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

2021: Criticism for Judicial Recommendation

In 2021, The American Prospect criticized 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, and had defended a school against allegations that its swim coach had sexually abused a girl from ages 13 to 19.

November 2022: Writes 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.