Childhood and Education Journey of Cory Booker in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Cory Booker. A timeline of key moments.

Cory Booker is an American politician and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Before his Senate career, Booker was the 38th mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 2006 to 2013. Prior to that, he served on the Newark Municipal Council representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker's career has been marked by his involvement in municipal and national politics.

Sections (6)

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

1936: Birth of Cary Alfred Booker

In 1936, Cary Alfred Booker, Cory Booker's father, was born. He became one of the first black IBM executives.

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April 27, 1969: Cory Booker's Birth

On April 27, 1969, Cory Anthony Booker was born. He is now an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from New Jersey.

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1991: Graduated from Stanford University

In 1991, Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

1992: Received Master's Degree from Stanford University

In 1992, Cory Booker received a Master of Arts degree in sociology from Stanford University.

1992: Booker admits to having "hated gays" as a teenager

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

1994: Earned Degree at Oxford

In 1994, Cory Booker earned a degree in United States history from The Queen's College, Oxford.

1997: Obtained Juris Doctor from Yale

In 1997, Cory Booker obtained his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.

1998: Won Newark Municipal Council Seat

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark, defeating four-term incumbent George Branch. He went on a 10-day hunger strike to draw attention to open-air drug dealing and violence.

1998: Won Municipal Council Seat in Newark

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. He staged a 10-day hunger strike to address urban development issues.

June 2006: Assassination Plot Foiled

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

July 2010: Met Mark Zuckerberg

In July 2010, Cory Booker met Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg at a conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.

September 2010: Zuckerberg Donated to Newark School System

In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg announced he was donating $100 million to the Newark school system, following conversations with Cory Booker. This was announced on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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December 28, 2010: Shoveled Constituent's Driveway

On December 28, 2010, Cory Booker gained national attention by personally shoveling a constituent's driveway after being asked for help on Twitter.

April 12, 2012: Booker Saves Woman from House Fire

On April 12, 2012, Cory Booker saved a woman from a house fire, suffering smoke inhalation and second-degree burns on his hands. The Newark Fire Chief suggested Booker's actions likely saved the woman's life.

October 2012: Booker Opens Home After Hurricane Sandy

In late October 2012, after Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey and New York shorelines, Cory Booker invited Newark residents without electricity and services to eat and sleep in his home.

December 2012: Booker Takes SNAP Challenge

In December 2012, Cory Booker began a weeklong challenge attempting to live on a food budget of $30 per week, the amount New Jersey paid SNAP recipients, after discussing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with a constituent. He aimed to spark a discussion about Americans relying solely on food stamps.

January 2013: Booker Rescues Dog from Freezing Temperatures

In January 2013, Cory Booker rescued a dog from freezing temperatures.

February 2013: Booker Helps Constituent Propose on Twitter

In February 2013, Cory Booker responded to a Twitter post and helped a nervous constituent propose to his girlfriend.

July 2013: Booker Rescues Abandoned Dog

In July 2013, Cory Booker rescued another dog that had been abandoned in a cage.

2013: Booker refuses to address gay rumors

In 2013, Cory Booker generally refused to address rumors that he was gay on principle.

2013: Named one of Town & Country's "Top 40 Bachelors"

In 2013, Cory Booker was named one of Town & Country's "Top 40 Bachelors".

March 31, 2025: Booker's Marathon Speech

On March 31, 2025, Cory Booker began a marathon speech in the U.S. Senate, vowing to speak "for as long as I am physically able" regarding changes made by the Trump administration. His address lasted 25 hours and five minutes.