Cory Booker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

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

Cory Booker is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey 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 held a position on 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

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

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

1998: Booker Wins Newark Council Seat

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark and went on a 10-day hunger strike to protest open-air drug dealing.

1998: Booker won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark

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

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.

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June 20, 2006: Court Ruled in Booker's Favor

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in a lawsuit against the James administration concerning cut-rate land deals.

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: Booker defeated Ronald Rice to become Mayor of Newark

In 2006, Cory Booker ran again for mayor of Newark and defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice.

2008: End 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 Receives Budget Award

In 2008 and 2009, 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 Newark-based New Jersey Institute of Technology and an honorary doctorate from Brandeis University.

October 2009: Booker Receives Sarah Brady Visionary Award

In October 2009, Cory Booker was given the Sarah Brady Visionary Award for his work in reducing gun violence.

2009: City of Newark Receives Budget Award

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

2009: Starred in documentary series Brick City

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

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March 2010: Booker wins a Shorty Award

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

March 2010: Newark had 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: 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: Booker Reelected as Mayor

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

2010: Brick City nominated for Primetime Emmy

In 2010, the documentary series Brick City, starring Cory Booker, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

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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 the 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 that year's commencement speaker at Williams College.

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.

June 17, 2012: Delivered commencement address at Stanford University

On June 17, 2012, Cory Booker delivered the commencement address at Stanford University and also received an honorary degree at Fairleigh Dickinson's 69th commencement ceremony in May 2012.