Cory Booker is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He is the junior United States senator from New Jersey, the first African-American to hold this position. Booker served as the 38th mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013 and also served on the Municipal Council of Newark.
Cory Anthony Booker was born on April 27, 1969.
Cory Booker was named to the 1986 USA Today All-USA high school football team.
Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a BA in 1991.
Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1991.
Cory Booker became a vegetarian in 1992 during his time as a student at Oxford University.
Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University with a Master of Arts in sociology in 1992.
In 1992, Cory Booker wrote a column for The Stanford Daily recounting a teenage experience and discussing evolving attitudes toward sexual relations and consent. The column resurfaced in September 2018 during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.
In a 1992 column for The Stanford Daily, Cory Booker acknowledged holding homophobic views during his teenage years.
Cory Booker was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at The Queen's College, Oxford, earning a degree in United States history in 1994.
Cory Booker obtained his Juris Doctor in 1997 from Yale Law School.
Cory Booker began residing in Brick Towers, a struggling housing project in Newark's Central Ward, in 1998.
Cory Booker served on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002.
Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark in 1998. He employed a 10-day hunger strike and lived in a tent to bring attention to urban development issues.
In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark, defeating four-term incumbent George Branch. During this time, he went on a 10-day hunger strike, living in a tent and later in a motor home near drug-dealing areas of the city to bring attention to the problems of open-air drug dealing and associated violence.
Sharpe James was elected as a state senator in 1999.
On January 9, 2002, Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark.
Cory Booker ran for mayor of Newark in 2002 but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.
Cory Booker's term on the Municipal Council of Newark ended in 2002.
Filmmaker Marshall Curry directed the documentary "Street Fight", which chronicled Cory Booker's 2002 campaign for mayor.
"Street Fight", the documentary film about Cory Booker's 2002 mayoral campaign, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature in 2005.
On February 11, 2006, Booker announced that he would run for mayor of Newark again.
In June 2006, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate Cory Booker.
On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Booker's favor in a lawsuit against the James administration regarding cut-rate land deals.
Cory Booker took office as mayor of Newark on July 1, 2006.
In November 2006, Cory Booker moved out of Brick Towers, leaving behind one of the last occupied units in the complex.
Cory Booker ran for mayor again in 2006 and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice.
Cory Booker served as the 38th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013.
Newark witnessed a significant period of violent crime reduction starting in 2006, positioning the city as a national leader in crime reduction efforts.
The City of Newark was recognized for its commitment to financial transparency and accountability in 2008, receiving the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Newark's success in reducing violent crime peaked in 2008, marking the culmination of several years of impactful initiatives. However, following this period, both murder and overall crime rates began to rise again.
Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology for his service as Mayor of Newark in May 2009. The same month, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Brandeis University and delivered the commencement address.
In October 2009, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence honored Cory Booker with the Sarah Brady Visionary Award, recognizing his significant contributions to reducing gun violence during his time as mayor.
For the second consecutive year, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in 2009, highlighting the city's sound financial management.
In 2009, Cory Booker engaged in a humorous public feud with Conan O'Brien, then-host of the Tonight Show, stemming from O'Brien's jokes about Newark. The feud, largely carried out on air and on YouTube, eventually saw involvement from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who jokingly called for its end. Booker appeared on O'Brien's show, assuring viewers the feud was over. O'Brien subsequently made a significant donation to Newark Now charity.
The documentary series "Brick City", featuring Cory Booker and his work to revitalize Newark, premiered in 2009.
After Barack Obama's presidential win in 2009, Cory Booker was offered the leadership role for the newly formed White House Office of Urban Affairs. Citing a commitment to Newark, Booker declined the offer.
In March 2010, Cory Booker's innovative use of microblogging to connect with constituents and enhance government transparency earned him a Shorty Award in the government category.
March 2010 marked a historic milestone for Newark as the city experienced its first murder-free month in over 44 years, a testament to the impact of Booker's crime-reduction initiatives.
On April 3, 2010, Booker announced his candidacy for reelection as mayor of Newark.
A pivotal meeting took place in July 2010 between Cory Booker and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during a conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. This seemingly chance encounter would later lead to significant philanthropic support for Newark's school system.
September 2010 saw a groundbreaking announcement as Mark Zuckerberg, spurred by his earlier conversations with Cory Booker, pledged a generous $100 million donation to the Newark school system. This substantial investment aimed to revitalize education in the city.
On October 10, 2010, Cory Booker launched the "Let's Move! Newark" initiative, aligning with First Lady Michelle Obama's national campaign against childhood obesity. This local initiative underscored Booker's commitment to the well-being of Newark's youth.
Facing budgetary constraints, Booker's administration implemented one-day-a-month furloughs for non-uniformed employees in Newark from July through December 2010. Additionally, managers and directors earning over $100,000 annually experienced 2% pay cuts.
Yeshiva University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Cory Booker in December 2010, acknowledging his leadership in Newark's urban transformation.
In a heartwarming display of community engagement, Cory Booker personally responded to a constituent's plea on December 28, 2010. He joined volunteers in shoveling snow for her elderly father, demonstrating his hands-on approach to serving Newark's residents.
In 2010, Cory Booker was honored with the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official, an accolade bestowed annually by the Jefferson Awards.
Following Cory Booker's time as a resident, Brick Towers was demolished, and a new mixed-income housing development was built in its place in 2010.
"Brick City", the documentary series spotlighting Cory Booker's efforts in Newark, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2010.
Cory Booker was reelected as mayor of Newark in 2010.
Cory Booker addressed graduates of New York Law School at Avery Fisher Hall (now David Geffen Hall) at Lincoln Center during their commencement ceremony on May 13, 2011.
The University of Rhode Island presented Cory Booker with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in May 2011. He also delivered the commencement address at the university.
Cory Booker was conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree by Williams College in June 2011, recognizing his role in Newark's urban transformation. He also delivered the commencement address that year.
October 2011 marked the expansion of the "Let's Move! Newark" initiative with the introduction of "Let's Move! Newark: Our Power." This four-month fitness challenge, spearheaded by public health advocate Jeff Halevy, targeted Newark public school students.
Cory Booker made a contribution to the 2011 documentary "Miss Representation," which examines the portrayal of women in politics by the media.
Facing financial strain, Newark received $32 million in emergency aid from the state in 2011. This assistance came with stipulations, requiring a memorandum of understanding where Newark agreed to state oversight in certain appointments, highlighting the city's financial dependence.
Cory Booker's courage was on full display on April 12, 2012, when he selflessly rescued a woman from a house fire. Despite sustaining smoke inhalation and second-degree burns on his hands, Booker's actions likely saved the woman's life.
On May 12, 2012, during an appearance on "Meet the Press", Cory Booker, while acting as a surrogate for Obama's reelection campaign, made critical remarks about the campaign's attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital. His comments, deemed controversial, were leveraged by the Romney campaign.
In May 2012, Bard College granted Cory Booker an honorary doctor of laws degree. He subsequently delivered the commencement speech at the college.
Cory Booker was the commencement speaker at Stanford University's graduation ceremony on June 17, 2012, held at Stanford Stadium.
In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012, Cory Booker extended a helping hand to displaced Newark residents. He opened his home to those without electricity and essential services, embodying compassion and leadership during a time of crisis.
November 20, 2012, witnessed a chaotic scene at a Newark City Council meeting, fueled by disagreements over appointing a successor to a vacant council seat. The meeting, which Cory Booker attended, was marred by protests, police intervention, and accusations of inciting disturbances.
In December 2012, Cory Booker embarked on a weeklong challenge, attempting to live on a $30 food budget—equivalent to New Jersey's SNAP benefits at the time. This action aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Americans relying on food stamps.
On December 20, 2012, Cory Booker announced his interest in running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Frank Lautenberg in the 2014 election. This announcement put an end to speculation that he might challenge Governor Chris Christie in the 2013 gubernatorial election.
Cory Booker was a contender for the prestigious World Mayor prize in 2012, ultimately proving unsuccessful in his bid. This marked his second attempt at the award, having been a finalist in 2010.
Continuing to grapple with budgetary pressures, Newark received an additional $32 million in emergency aid from the state in 2012, further solidifying the memorandum of understanding established the previous year and extending state influence over city operations.
In 2012, Cory Booker co-founded Waywire, a video-sharing technology company that attracted investments from prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey, Eric Schmidt, and Jeff Weiner.
Cory Booker took a step closer to a potential Senate run on January 11, 2013, when he filed paperwork to form a campaign committee. However, he stopped short of formally announcing his candidacy at this time.
In January 2013, Cory Booker demonstrated his compassion for animals by rescuing a dog from dangerously cold weather conditions. This act of kindness highlighted his concern for the well-being of all creatures in Newark.
Displaying his commitment to connecting with constituents in unconventional ways, Cory Booker played a part in a romantic gesture in February 2013. Responding to a Twitter request, he helped a nervous constituent successfully propose to his girlfriend.
Cory Booker was awarded an honorary doctorate of law from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2013 and delivered the commencement address.
In a July 2013 interview with Salon, Cory Booker stated his strong alignment with progressive politics, saying, "there's nothing in that realm of progressive politics where you won't find me."
Cory Booker's commitment to animal welfare was evident once again in July 2013 when he rescued a dog that had been cruelly abandoned in a cage. This act further solidified his reputation as a compassionate leader.
Cory Booker secured a victory in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on August 13, 2013, garnering approximately 59% of the vote.
Amidst his Senate campaign in August 2013, Cory Booker announced his intention to resign from Waywire's board and place his holdings in a trust. He followed through with his resignation and donated his shares to charity the following month.
In a September 2013 interview with The Grio, when questioned about identifying as a progressive, Cory Booker emphasized his identity as a Democrat and an American.
In November 2013, Cory Booker showed his support for LGBTQ+ rights by co-sponsoring and voting for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This bill aimed to prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Cory Booker joined forces with Senator Bob Menéndez in December 2013 to co-sponsor the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013. The proposed act aimed to increase the pressure on Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
In 2013, Cory Booker became the junior United States Senator for New Jersey.
Following the death of Senator Frank Lautenberg in 2013, Cory Booker announced his candidacy for the vacant Senate seat in the special election. He made the announcement at dual events held in Newark and Willingboro.
Cory Booker was elected to the U.S. Senate in a 2013 special election.
Cory Booker purchased and moved into a townhouse in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Newark's Central Ward, an area recognized for its arts and cultural scene.
Cory Booker addressed rumors about his sexuality, stating that he generally chooses not to engage with them on principle.
Cory Booker was featured as one of Town & Country magazine's "Top 40 Bachelors" in 2013.
On January 9, 2014, Brian D. Goldberg, a businessman from West Orange, New Jersey, put himself forward as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
In January 2014, Cory Booker demonstrated his commitment to marriage equality by co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act. This piece of legislation was a significant step towards securing federal recognition for same-sex marriages.
Richard J. "Rich" Pezzullo, a businessman from Freehold Township, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate on January 27, 2014. This was not his first attempt at a Senate seat; he had previously run in 1996 as the Conservative Party candidate.
Adding to the growing field, conservative political consultant Jeff Bell announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate on February 4, 2014. Bell brought with him previous experience in Senate races, having been the Republican Party nominee in 1978.
Cory Booker went against the grain in February 2014 when he cast his vote against the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. This decision highlighted his stance on agricultural policy and potentially his concerns about the bill's impact.
Cory Booker delivered the commencement address at Ramapo College of New Jersey's graduation ceremony on May 16, 2014, held at the IZOD Center.
Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate in 2014.
Cory Booker transitioned to a vegan diet in 2014 and began advocating for animal rights and veganism.
Cory Booker made a guest appearance alongside Senator Orrin Hatch in the "Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington" episode of "Parks and Recreation" in 2015.
As of June 2016, Cory Booker was known to worship at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark.
Cory Booker authored and published his autobiography, "United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good," in 2016.
During the 2016 presidential election, when Hillary Clinton experienced a health issue, Donna Brazile, the interim DNC chair at the time, contemplated replacing Clinton with Joe Biden as the presidential nominee and Cory Booker as the vice-presidential nominee.
In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Cory Booker threw his support behind Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. His endorsement highlighted his position within the Democratic Party and his hopes for a Clinton presidency.
In a historic move, Cory Booker testified against Senator Jeff Sessions's nomination for Attorney General on January 11, 2017. This action marked the first time a sitting senator testified against a colleague during a cabinet confirmation hearing and reflected the deep divisions in the Senate at the time.
Following the US strike on Syria in April 2017, Cory Booker publicly criticized the military action, stating concerns over the lack of a clear plan or Congressional authorization.
In September 2017, Cory Booker joined Bernie Sanders and 14 other senators to co-sponsor and submit the "Medicare for All" bill, a single-payer healthcare plan, to Congress.
In 2017, Cory Booker faced criticism from progressives for voting against a proposal aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. Critics argued this demonstrated an over-reliance on corporate support.
In 2017, Cory Booker became the first senator to ever testify against another senator during attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions's confirmation hearing.
In response to concerns that President Trump might try to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Cory Booker took action. In April 2018, he joined forces with Senators Chris Coons, Lindsey Graham, and Thom Tillis to introduce the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act. This bipartisan effort aimed to safeguard the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election by making it more difficult to dismiss a special counsel without a valid justification.
During the heated confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on September 5, 2018, Cory Booker made a bold move. He questioned Kavanaugh about a series of emails from Kavanaugh's time in the George W. Bush administration, which discussed racial profiling as a counterterrorism measure. Booker then made the controversial decision to publicly release these emails, despite them being marked "committee confidential." This act of defiance, which Booker compared to a scene from the film "Spartacus," sparked accusations of grandstanding from Republicans, while others defended his actions as necessary for transparency.
Cory Booker's 1992 column on sexual attitudes from The Stanford Daily was brought up by The Daily Caller and Fox News during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.
Cory Booker's staunch opposition to many of President Trump's nominees in 2018 earned him a place in what Politico termed the "Hell-No Caucus." This group, which also included Senators Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, consistently voted against Trump's picks, signaling a deep partisan divide.
Cory Booker made it official on February 1, 2019: he was running for President of the United States in the 2020 election. His entry into the race came after much speculation and set the stage for his campaign to win the Democratic nomination.
Actress Rosario Dawson confirmed her relationship with Cory Booker in March 2019.
Despite a spirited campaign, Cory Booker faced a setback in December 2019 when he failed to meet the polling criteria to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate. This development highlighted the challenges he confronted in a crowded field of candidates.
Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the 2020 U.S. presidential election on January 13, 2020.
Following his withdrawal from the presidential race, Cory Booker shifted his support to former Vice President Joe Biden in March 2020. This endorsement underscored Booker's belief in Biden's ability to defeat President Trump in the general election.
Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate in 2020.
In 2020, during an episode of the TV show "Finding Your Roots," Cory Booker learned that he is related to entertainer RuPaul.
Cory Booker was among the lawmakers present when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during the certification of the Electoral College vote count. Forced to evacuate along with his colleagues, Booker placed the blame for the attack squarely on President Trump's shoulders. In the aftermath, he called for Trump's removal from office, either through the Twenty-fifth Amendment or impeachment, citing the president's role in inciting the violence.
The American Prospect criticized Cory Booker and Bob Menendez in 2021 for recommending Christine O'Hearne for a federal judgeship. O'Hearne's history of defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims sparked controversy.
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's relationship came to an end in February 2022.
Cory Booker submitted a letter advocating for leniency in the sentencing of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in November 2022. He expressed belief in Holmes' potential for future contributions despite her past mistakes.
Cory Booker appeared in the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment", released in 2024.