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 lawyer currently serving as the senior United States senator from New Jersey since 2013. He is 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, and as a member of 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

1992: Booker Admitted to "Hating Gays"

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

1992: Booker wrote about a sexual encounter in The Stanford Daily Column

In 1992, Booker wrote in his The Stanford Daily column about a sexual encounter during his teenage years, his changed attitude toward sex, and messages he received about sex when he was young. Booker described an incident where he groped a drunk friend at a party when he was fifteen. He also discussed his disgust with sexist comments and his work as a peer counselor with victims of rape.

May 12, 2012: Meet the Press Controversy

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker generated controversy on Meet the Press by criticizing attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital, leading to follow-up comments and staff resignation.

April 2017: Criticism of US Strike on Syria

In April 2017, after the US strike on Syria, Cory Booker criticized the military action as being "without a clear plan" or authorization from Congress.

2017: Vote Against Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

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

September 2018: The Stanford Daily Column Brought Up During Kavanaugh Hearings

In September 2018, The Daily Caller and Fox News brought up Booker's 1992 The Stanford Daily column during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. Booker considered Christine Blasey Ford's allegations "serious and credible" and criticized the Republican majority for failing to investigate them.

2021: Criticism for Judicial Recommendation

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

November 2022: Booker Wrote Letter of Support for Elizabeth Holmes

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

August 2025: Vote Against Blocking Arms Sale to Israel

In August 2025, Cory Booker was in a minority of Senate Democrats that voted against an effort to block the sale of military arms to Israel amid the Gaza war and humanitarian crisis.