Cory Booker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Cory Booker. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Cory Booker is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for 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 with a role on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, establishing his roots in local government.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Named to USA Today All-USA High School Football Team

In 1986, Cory Booker was named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team.

1994: Earned degree from The Queen's College, Oxford

In 1994, Cory Booker, awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, earned a degree in United States history at The Queen's College, Oxford.

2005: Street Fight Documentary Nomination

In 2005, The film Street Fight, which documented Booker's 2002 mayoral campaign, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

June 20, 2006: Judge ruled in Booker's favor against James' administration

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in his lawsuit against the James administration over cut-rate land deals. The land deals would cost the city more than $15 million in lost revenue.

2006: Start of Violent Crime Reduction in Newark

From 2006 to 2008, Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction under Cory Booker's mayoralty.

2006: Defeated Ronald Rice to become Mayor

In 2006, Cory Booker ran again for mayor and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice. Booker's first term saw the doubling of affordable housing under development and the reduction of the city budget deficit from $180 million to $73 million.

2008: Start of Violent Crime Reduction in Newark

From 2006 to 2008, Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction under Cory Booker's mayoralty.

2008: City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

In 2008, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

May 2009: Received Honorary Doctorate from NJIT and Brandeis University

In May 2009, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and an honorary doctorate from Brandeis University where he was a commencement speaker.

October 2009: Received Sarah Brady Visionary Award

In October 2009, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence gave Cory Booker the Sarah Brady Visionary Award for his work in reducing gun violence.

2009: City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

In 2009, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

2009: Starred in Brick City

Since 2009, Cory Booker has starred in the documentary series Brick City, which focuses on his efforts to improve Newark. Brick City won a Peabody Award in 2009.

March 2010: Won Shorty Award for Best Microblog

In March 2010, Cory Booker won a Shorty Award in the government category for having the best microblog.

March 2010: Newark's First Murder-Free Month in 44 Years

March 2010 marked Newark's first murder-free month in over 44 years, during Cory Booker's mayoralty.

December 2010: Received Honorary Doctorate from Yeshiva University

In December 2010, Cory Booker received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yeshiva University.

2010: Brick City Emmy nomination

In 2010, Brick City, a documentary series that Cory Booker has starred in since 2009, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

2010: Received U.S. Senator John Heinz Award

In 2010, Cory Booker received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official.

2010: Reelected as Mayor of Newark

In 2010, Cory Booker was reelected as Mayor of Newark.

May 2011: Received Honorary Doctorate from University of Rhode Island

In May 2011, Cory Booker received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Rhode Island, where he also delivered a commencement address.

June 2011: Received Honorary Doctorate from Williams College

In June 2011, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of laws degree for the urban transformation of Newark and served as the commencement speaker at Williams College.

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 saved the woman's life.

May 2012: Received Honorary Doctorate from Bard College

In May 2012, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Bard College and gave the commencement speech.

2012: Unsuccessful Candidate for World Mayor Prize

Cory Booker was also an unsuccessful candidate for the 2012 World Mayor prize.

January 2013: Booker Rescues Dog from Freezing Temperatures

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

May 2013: Received Honorary Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis

In May 2013, Cory Booker gave the commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis and received an honorary doctorate of law.

July 2013: Booker Rescues Abandoned Dog

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

August 13, 2013: Booker Wins Democratic Primary

On August 13, 2013, Booker won the Democratic primary with approximately 59% of the vote.

2013: Elected as U.S. Senator from New Jersey

In 2013, Cory Booker was elected as the senior United States Senator from New Jersey. He is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey.

2013: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2013, Cory Booker was elected to the U.S. Senate in New Jersey's special election.

2014: Reelected to the U.S. Senate

In 2014, Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

2020: Reelected to the U.S. Senate

In 2020, Cory Booker was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

March 31, 2025: Booker Delivers Marathon Senate Speech

On March 31, 2025, Booker began a marathon speech in the U.S. Senate, lasting 25 hours and five minutes. He surpassed Strom Thurmond's filibuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, speaking against changes made by the Trump administration.