Cory Booker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cory Booker
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Official portrait, 2025
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| United States Senator from New Jersey |
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| Assumed office October 31, 2013 Serving with Andy Kim
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| Preceded by | Jeffrey Chiesa |
| Chair of the Senate Democratic Strategic Communications Committee | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2025 |
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| Leader | Chuck Schumer |
| Vice Chair | Tina Smith |
| Preceded by | Debbie Stabenow (Policy and Communications) |
| 38th Mayor of Newark | |
| In office July 1, 2006 – October 31, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Sharpe James |
| Succeeded by | Luis Quintana |
| Member of the Newark Municipal Council from the Central Ward |
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| In office July 1, 1998 – June 30, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | George Branch |
| Succeeded by | Charles Bell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cory Anthony Booker
April 27, 1969 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Alexis Lewis
(m. 2025) |
| Relatives | RuPaul (distant cousin) |
| Education | Stanford University (BA, MA) Queen's College, Oxford (MA) Yale University (JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
| College football career | |
| No. 81 | |
| Position | Tight end |
| Personal information | |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career history | |
| High school | Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Cory Anthony Booker, born on April 27, 1969, is an American leader and lawyer. He serves as a U.S. Senator for New Jersey. He has held this important role since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, Senator Booker made history. He became the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey. Before joining the Senate, he was the 38th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He also served on the Municipal Council of Newark from 1998 to 2002.
Booker was born in Washington, D.C.. He grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey. He studied at Stanford University and later at The Queen's College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also attended Yale Law School. In 1998, he won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. To highlight community challenges, he once went on a 10-day hunger strike. He even lived in a tent for a short time. He became Mayor of Newark in 2006. During his time as mayor, he worked to improve the city. He helped create more affordable homes. He also reduced the city's budget problems. He was reelected as mayor in 2010.
Senator Booker was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013. He was reelected in 2014 and again in 2020. He became New Jersey's senior senator on August 20, 2024. This happened after Senator Bob Menendez stepped down. In 2017, Senator Booker made history. He was the first senator to speak against another senator during a confirmation hearing. He also ran for president in 2020, seeking the Democratic nomination. He ended his presidential campaign on January 13, 2020. From March 31 to April 1, 2025, he gave the longest speech ever in the U.S. Senate. It lasted 25 hours and five minutes. He did this to protest certain government actions.
Early Life and Education
Growing Up: Early Life and Family
Cory Booker was born in Washington, D.C.. He spent his childhood in Harrington Park, New Jersey. This town is about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Newark. His parents, Carolyn Rose and Cary Alfred Booker, were pioneers. They were among the first African-American executives at IBM. Booker often shares that he grew up in a religious home. His family attended a small church in New Jersey. He also discovered he has Sierra Leonean family roots. He learned this on the TV show Finding Your Roots.
Learning and Sports: High School and College
Booker attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan. There, he was a talented football player. He was even named to a special national high school football team in 1986. He then went to Stanford University. He earned a degree in political science in 1991. A year later, he received a master's degree in sociology. At Stanford, he continued to play American football as a tight end. He was also chosen as the senior class president. He helped run a student support center. He also organized student volunteers to help young people in East Palo Alto, California.
Advanced Studies and Community Work
After Stanford, Booker received a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. This allowed him to study at The Queen's College, Oxford in England. He earned a degree in United States history in 1994. Later, he attended Yale Law School. He earned his law degree in 1997. While at Yale, he helped run free legal clinics. These clinics assisted people in New Haven, Connecticut who couldn't afford lawyers. He was also a "Big Brother" mentor. He helped young people through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program.
Municipal Council of Newark
Serving on the Newark City Council
After finishing law school, Booker decided to focus on helping the community in Newark. He worked as a lawyer for a justice center in New York. He also helped coordinate a youth program in Newark. In 1998, Booker successfully ran for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. He won against a long-serving council member. To highlight serious community safety issues, he took a unique step. He went on a 10-day hunger strike. During this time, he lived in a tent and then a motor home. He wanted to bring attention to the challenges facing the city. He also suggested new ideas for housing, youth programs, and making City Hall more open.
Mayor of Newark
Mayoral Campaigns
Running for Mayor in 2002
In 2002, Cory Booker decided to run for Mayor of Newark. He challenged the current mayor, Sharpe James. It was a tough election. Booker lost this race, receiving 47% of the votes. The election was even featured in a documentary film called Street Fight. During this time, Booker also started a non-profit group called Newark Now. This organization aimed to help the city's residents.
Winning the Mayoral Race in 2006
Booker ran for mayor again in 2006. This time, he faced Deputy Mayor Ronald L. Rice. Booker won the election on May 9 with 72% of the votes. His team of city council candidates also won their elections. This gave him strong support to lead the city government.
Reelection as Mayor in 2010
On April 3, 2010, Booker announced he would run for reelection as mayor. He believed a "united government" was key for the city's progress. He was reelected with 59% of the votes.
Tenure as Mayor
Starting as Mayor: Legal Actions
Before officially becoming mayor, Booker took legal action. He challenged certain land deals made by the previous administration. He argued these deals were unfair to the city. A judge agreed with Booker. This decision helped save the city money.
Safety Concerns Before Taking Office
Just before Booker became mayor in 2006, a serious threat was discovered. Investigators uncovered a plan to harm him. This plan was linked to certain groups. The reasons for this plot were not fully clear. It was thought to be related to his strong stance on improving public safety.
Mayor Booker's First Term: Making Changes
Cory Booker officially became Mayor of Newark on July 1, 2006. He quickly announced a 100-day plan for improvements. This plan included increasing police presence. It also aimed to improve city services and expand youth programs.
One of Booker's main goals was to reduce the city's crime rate. He appointed Garry McCarthy to lead the Newark Police Department. Booker and his security team sometimes patrolled the streets themselves. This showed his dedication to public safety. He was also part of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. This group worked to make communities safer. During his time as mayor, crime rates in Newark dropped significantly.
Booker also focused on economic improvements. He helped double the number of affordable homes being built. He reduced the city's budget deficit from $180 million to $73 million. He even lowered his own salary twice. He also held open office hours for residents. This allowed people to meet him and share their concerns.
In 2010, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark's school system. This gift was announced on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Booker and Zuckerberg had discussed plans for Newark's education.
Mayor Booker's Second Term: Community Engagement
In October 2011, Booker expanded the "Let's Move! Newark" program. This program, inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama, fought against childhood obesity.
Booker gained national attention for his hands-on approach. In December 2010, he personally shoveled snow for an elderly resident. In April 2012, he saved a woman from a house fire. He suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation. After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, he invited residents without power to stay at his home. He also helped a constituent propose to his girlfriend in 2013. He even rescued abandoned dogs.
In December 2012, Booker took on a challenge. He tried to live on a food budget of $30 per week. This was the amount New Jersey paid to food assistance recipients. He wanted to highlight how many Americans rely on this support.
Mayoralty Legacy: Impact on Newark
Booker's time as mayor brought a lot of media attention to Newark. Millions of dollars were invested in downtown development. However, challenges like underemployment continued in some neighborhoods. Newark received significant state aid in 2011 and 2012. This required the city to work closely with the state on administrative appointments.
U.S. Senate
Senate Elections
2013 Special Election
In December 2012, Booker considered running for the U.S. Senate. This was for the seat held by Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg passed away in June 2013. Five days later, Booker announced he would run for the vacant seat.
On August 13, 2013, Booker won the Democratic primary election. On October 16, he won the general election. He defeated Republican Steve Lonegan. Booker became the first African-American to be elected to the Senate from New Jersey. He was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on October 31, 2013. He resigned as Mayor of Newark the day before.
2014 Reelection Campaign
In 2014, Booker ran for reelection to the Senate. He faced Republican Jeff Bell. Booker won the general election with 55.8% of the vote.
2020 Reelection Campaign
Booker ran for reelection again in 2020. He faced Republican Rik Mehta. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many votes were cast by mail. Booker and Mehta participated in a virtual debate. They discussed important issues like the Trump presidency and community challenges. In the November 3 general election, Booker defeated Mehta with 57% of the votes.
2026 Reelection Campaign
Booker has filed to run for reelection in 2026.
Senate Tenure
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In November 2013, Senator Booker supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This bill aimed to prevent discrimination in the workplace. He also voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. In January 2014, he supported the Respect for Marriage Act. This act protects marriage equality. In March 2014, Booker pledged to work with his Republican colleagues. He wanted to find common ground on important issues.
Before the 2016 presidential election, Booker supported Hillary Clinton. After Donald Trump won the election, Booker testified against attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions in 2017. This was a rare event in Senate history.
Booker supported fellow New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez during his legal challenges. Booker spoke highly of Menendez. He said he was "grateful" to work with him.
In 2018, Booker was part of a group of senators. They often voted against nominees for government positions. These senators were seen as potential presidential candidates for 2020.
In April 2018, Booker helped introduce new legislation. This bill aimed to protect special investigations. It would allow a special counsel to have a quick review if dismissed. This ensured fair process in important investigations.
In September 2018, during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Booker questioned Kavanaugh about certain emails. These emails discussed ways to combat terrorism after the September 11 attacks. Booker released these documents publicly. He said he was doing so to ensure transparency.
Booker played a key role in passing the First Step Act. This was a bipartisan bill focused on criminal justice reform.
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On January 6, 2021, Booker was at the U.S. Capitol. This was when supporters of former President Trump entered the building. Booker and other senators were evacuated for safety. Booker stated that Trump was responsible for encouraging the events. He called for actions to protect national security.
On March 31, 2025, Booker began a very long speech. He spoke for 25 hours and five minutes. This was the longest speech in U.S. Senate history. He explained that he wanted to highlight important issues. He felt that Congress needed to address current challenges.
In May 2025, Booker was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Charles Kushner as United States Ambassador to France. Booker and Kushner have known each other for many years.
Senate Committee Assignments
Senator Booker serves on several important committees:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Committee on Foreign Relations
- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Committee on the Judiciary
Caucus Memberships
Booker is also a member of various caucuses, which are groups of lawmakers who work together on specific issues:
- Black Maternal Health Caucus
- Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus
2020 Presidential Campaign
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On February 1, 2019, Cory Booker announced he was running for president. He sought the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election. Many people had expected him to run. Soon after his announcement, many New Jersey leaders supported him. This included Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Bob Menendez. Booker held a campaign kickoff event in Newark on April 13. He participated in the first five Democratic debates. However, he did not meet the requirements for the sixth debate. On January 13, 2020, Booker announced he was ending his campaign. In March 2020, he endorsed Joe Biden for president.
Political Positions
Progressive Views
Booker is known as a liberal and progressive Democrat. He has a liberal voting record in the Senate. He has stated that he aligns with progressive politics. The Humane Society has recognized Booker. They noted his strong record on animal welfare issues.
Economic Issues
In 2010, Booker supported efforts to reduce the national debt. He also favored policies to combat climate change. He supported increased funding for education. He has spoken about creating a federal job guarantee. He also supports "baby bonds," which are savings accounts for young people.
Social Justice
In the Senate, Booker has focused on racial and social justice. He was a leader in passing the First Step Act. This bill brought important reforms to the criminal justice system. He supports ending the "war on drugs". He voted for the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022.
Healthcare
Booker supports single-payer healthcare. In September 2017, he co-sponsored a "Medicare for All" bill. This plan aimed to provide healthcare for everyone. However, Booker does not support getting rid of private health insurance. He has also faced criticism for some votes related to prescription drug prices.
Foreign Policy
After a U.S. military action in Syria in April 2017, Booker expressed concerns. He criticized military action without a clear plan. He also felt that Congress should authorize such actions.
Support for Israel
Booker has consistently shown strong support for Israel. He has stated his support for Israel long before becoming a senator. He believes in a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He sees Iran as a threat to U.S. and Israeli security. He supported a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem in 2017.
Other Activities
Association with Barack Obama
In 2009, after Barack Obama became President, Booker was offered a leadership role. This was for the new White House Office of Urban Affairs. He turned down the offer. He wanted to remain committed to Newark.
In May 2012, Booker appeared on Meet the Press. He was speaking on behalf of Obama's reelection campaign. He made some comments that were critical of the campaign's approach. He later clarified his remarks.
Affiliations and Honors
Booker serves on the board of advisers for Democrats for Education Reform. He is also a member of the board of trustees at Teachers College, Columbia University. He was previously on the board at Yale Law School and Stanford University.
In 2010, Booker received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award. This award recognizes great public service.
Booker has received several honorary degrees. These include degrees from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Brandeis University, and Yeshiva University. He has also given many commencement speeches. These include speeches at Stanford University and Washington University in St. Louis.
Films and TV
Filmmaker Marshall Curry created a documentary about Booker's 2002 mayoral campaign. The film, Street Fight, was nominated for an Academy Award.
Since 2009, Booker has appeared in the documentary series Brick City. This series shows his efforts to improve Newark. It focuses on reducing crime and boosting the economy. Brick City won a Peabody Award in 2009.
Booker also appeared in the 2011 documentary Miss Representation. He discussed how women in politics are shown in the media. He also had a cameo in a 2015 episode of Parks and Recreation. In 2024, he appeared in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment.
Waywire
In 2012, Booker co-founded Waywire. This company focused on video sharing technology. Notable investors included Oprah Winfrey and Eric Schmidt. Booker later resigned from the board. He donated his share of the company to charity.
Autobiography
Booker's autobiography, United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good, was published in 2016. The book encourages people to focus on important issues. It aims to promote unity in politics.
Personal Life
Marriage
In September 2025, Booker announced his engagement to Alexis Lewis. Lewis is a senior vice president at a real estate investment firm. She was also involved in economic policy for the Mayor of Los Angeles. They were married in a civil ceremony in Newark on November 24, 2025. An interfaith religious ceremony followed in Washington on November 29.
Other Personal Information
Booker exercises regularly. He has been a vegetarian since 1992. He became a vegan in 2014. He has expressed his ethical philosophy and support for animals. As of June 2016, Booker attended the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark.
From 1998 to 2006, Booker lived in a housing complex in Newark. He later moved to a rental home in Newark's South Ward. Since 2013, Booker has lived in a townhouse he owns in the Lincoln Park area of Newark.
Booker speaks Spanish. He learned it during an immersion program in Ecuador. In 2020, he learned that he and entertainer RuPaul are distant cousins. This was discovered on the TV show Finding Your Roots.
See also
In Spanish: Cory Booker para niños
 | Janet Taylor Pickett |
 | Synthia Saint James |
 | Howardena Pindell |
 | Faith Ringgold |
