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 the senior United States Senator from 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 on the Municipal Council of Newark, representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, marking his early involvement in local governance and public service.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team

In 1986, Cory Booker was named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team while at Northern Valley Regional High School.

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.

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, seeking to terminate cut-rate land deals.

2006: Start of Violent Crime Reduction

From 2006 to 2008 Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction.

2006: Defeated Ronald Rice to become Mayor of Newark

In 2006, Cory Booker defeated Deputy Mayor Ronald Rice to become Mayor of Newark. During his first term, affordable housing doubled and the city budget deficit was reduced.

2008: End of Violent Crime Reduction

From 2006 to 2008 Newark led the nation in violent crime reduction.

2008: City of Newark received Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

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

May 2009: Receives 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 the 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 as mayor of Newark.

2009: City of Newark received Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

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

2009: Stars 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 by reducing crime and bring about economic renewal. Brick City won a Peabody Award in 2009.

March 2010: Won a Shorty Award

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 over 44 years

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

December 2010: Receives 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: 'Brick City' Nominated for Primetime Emmy

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

2010: Receives 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: Reelected as Mayor of Newark

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

May 2011: Receives Honorary Degree from University of Rhode Island

In May 2011, Cory Booker received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Rhode Island.

June 2011: Receives Honorary Degree 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.

April 12, 2012: Saved a woman from a house fire

On April 12, 2012, Cory Booker saved a woman from a house fire, suffering smoke inhalation and burns. His actions were credited with possibly saving her life.