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 and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. He is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Prior to his senate career, Booker served as the 38th mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He also served on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker is a member of the Democratic Party.

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, while at Northern Valley Regional High School, was named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team.

1994: Earned degree at Queen's College, Oxford

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

2005: Street Fight nominated for Academy Award

In 2005, the documentary "Street Fight", which chronicled Cory Booker's 2002 mayoral campaign, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Loading Video...

February 11, 2006: Announced Mayoral Candidacy Again

On February 11, 2006, Cory Booker announced his second run for mayor of Newark. He won the May 9 election with 72% of the vote after raising over $6 million for his campaign.

June 20, 2006: Won Lawsuit Against James Administration

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in a lawsuit against the James administration. Booker had sought to terminate cut-rate land deals that favored redevelopment agencies and would cost the city money.

2006: Became Mayor and crime dropped significantly

After Cory Booker became mayor in 2006, Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction from 2006 to 2008. He was also a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition.

2006: Defeated Ronald Rice in Mayoral Election

In 2006, Cory Booker ran for mayor again and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice. During his first term, he doubled affordable housing under development and reduced the city budget deficit significantly.

2008: Newark Leads the Nation in Crime Reduction

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

2008: Received Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

In 2008 and 2009, the City of Newark received the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award under Cory Booker's leadership.

May 2009: Received honorary degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology

In May 2009, Cory Booker received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the Newark-based New Jersey Institute of Technology for "his outstanding career in public service as the Mayor of Newark."

October 2009: Received Sarah Brady Visionary Award

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

2009: Brick City won Peabody Award

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

Loading Video...

2009: Received Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

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

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

March 2010 marked Newark's first murder-free month in over 44 years during Cory Booker's time as mayor, although murder and overall crime rates began to rise again after 2008.

December 2010: Received honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University

In December 2010, Cory Booker received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yeshiva University for "his bold vision for Newark and setting a national standard for urban transformation."

2010: Awarded the 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, an award given out annually by the Jefferson Awards.

2010: Brick City nominated for Primetime Emmy

In 2010, Cory Booker starred in the documentary series Brick City, which focuses on his efforts to improve Newark. Brick City was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2010.

Loading Video...

2010: Reelected as Mayor

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

June 2011: Received honorary degree and served as commencement speaker at Williams College

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

April 12, 2012: Booker saves woman from house fire

On April 12, 2012, Cory Booker rescued a woman from a house fire, incurring smoke inhalation and second-degree burns to his hands. The Newark Fire Chief John Centanni stated that Booker's actions may have saved the woman's life.

May 2012: Received honorary degree and gave commencement speech at 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

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

May 2013: Gave commencement address at 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.

2013: Elected to U.S. Senate in Special Election

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

2014: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

2020: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

March 31, 2025: Marathon Speech in the Senate

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. Booker's address lasted 25 hours and five minutes, surpassing Strom Thurmond's filibuster record.