Cory Booker Then and Now

Cory Booker Then

Cory Booker was born on April 27, 1969, in Washington, D.C., to Carolyn and Cary Booker, an IBM executive. 

He grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey, in a household that emphasized the importance of faith and community. 

Raised in a religious environment, Booker attended a small African Methodist Episcopal Church with his family, where he developed a strong sense of social justice and civic duty. 

These early experiences shaped his worldview and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in public service.

During his teenage years, Booker excelled academically and athletically at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan. 

He was a standout member of the varsity football team, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication. 

After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and later a Master’s degree in sociology. 

At Stanford, he also played as a tight end on the Cardinal football team, demonstrating his commitment to balancing academics and athletics.

Booker’s academic achievements did not go unnoticed, as he earned a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at Queen’s College, University of Oxford. 

There, he obtained a degree in U.S. history, further broadening his understanding of social and political issues. 

His educational journey culminated in 1997 when he received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Yale Law School. 

This impressive educational background equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of law and public policy, ultimately propelling him into a successful political career.

Related Article: Mitt Romney Then and Now

Cory Booker’s Political Career

After graduating from Yale Law School, Cory Booker began his professional career as a staff attorney for the Urban Justice Center in New York City, where he focused on advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. 

He later took on the role of program coordinator for the Newark Youth Project, which aimed to support and empower young people in Newark. 

In 1998, Booker made his foray into politics by winning a seat on the Newark Municipal Council, unseating the incumbent George Branch in a surprising victory. 

During his time on the council, Booker raised awareness about critical issues affecting the city, including drug-related violence and uneven urban development. 

Related Article: Kirsten Gillibrand Then and Now

He undertook a dramatic 10-day hunger strike and lived in a tent and motor home to draw attention to these problems, showcasing his commitment to the community and his willingness to take bold actions to promote change.

Instead of seeking reelection for his council seat, Booker opted to run for mayor of Newark in 2002. 

Although he lost to incumbent Sharpe James, he remained determined and ran again in 2006, this time securing victory against Ronald Rice. 

He was reelected in 2010, and during his tenure as mayor, Booker implemented significant measures to enhance the quality of life in Newark. 

Related Article: Marco Rubio Then and Now

He successfully spearheaded initiatives that led to a substantial reduction in crime rates and improvements in city services and infrastructure. 

Notably, he doubled the number of affordable housing units under development and quadrupled those in predevelopment, addressing the city’s housing crisis. 

Additionally, he helped reduce Newark’s budget deficit by over $100 million, demonstrating his fiscal responsibility and commitment to effective governance.

Booker’s time as mayor was marked by several high-profile initiatives and heroic acts. 

Related Article: Mitch Landrieu Then and Now

He launched the Let’s Move! Newark program as part of Michelle Obama’s national campaign to combat childhood obesity, and he expanded this initiative in his second term. 

In a display of bravery and community spirit, Booker also made headlines when he rescued a woman from a burning building and saved a dog left out in freezing temperatures, further endearing him to Newark residents.

In June 2013, following the death of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, Booker announced his candidacy for Lautenberg’s Senate seat. 

He won the special election in October, becoming the first African American elected senator from New Jersey and the first since Barack Obama in 2004. 

Related Article: Jen Psaki Then and Now

Booker successfully defended his seat in the 2014 general election against Republican challenger Jeff Bell and was reelected in 2020, defeating Rik Mehta. 

In the Senate, Booker has been a strong advocate for progressive legislation, focusing on issues such as same-sex marriage, women’s rights, universal healthcare, and economic reforms aimed at reducing income inequality. 

He has also championed efforts to address climate change, reform the criminal justice system, and promote comprehensive immigration reform.

In early 2019, Booker declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination for the 2020 election. 

Related Article: Pete Buttigieg Then and Now

He participated in the first five Democratic debates but ultimately failed to meet the polling requirements for the sixth debate, leading him to withdraw from the race in early 2020. 

Outside of his legislative duties, Booker has maintained an active presence in education reform as a board member of Democrats for Education Reform and as a trustee of Columbia University’s Teachers College. 

Additionally, he co-founded the video-sharing technology company Waywire, though he resigned from its board after being elected to the Senate.

Booker has also gained significant media attention over the years. His first mayoral campaign was the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Street Fight,” released in 2005. 

Related Article: Greg Abbott Then and Now

He later starred in the documentary television series “Brick City,” which highlighted his efforts to improve Newark and won a Peabody Award. 

Furthermore, he appeared in the 2011 documentary “Miss Representation,” which explored the portrayal of women in media and politics. 

Through these various roles, Cory Booker has emerged as a prominent figure in American politics, known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to social justice.

Related Article: Gavin Newsom Then and Now

Cory Booker’s Personal Life

Cory Booker has never married, but he has been in notable romantic relationships with author Cleo Wade and actress Rosario Dawson, both of whom have been influential figures in their respective fields. 

Booker’s personal life, particularly his relationships, has garnered media attention, reflecting his openness about his experiences in love and companionship. 

He currently resides in a townhouse located in the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey, a vibrant area known for its community engagement and cultural diversity. 

Related Article: Andrew Cuomo Then and Now

Prior to this, Booker lived in the Brick Towers affordable housing complex in Newark’s Central Ward from 1998 to 2006, which underscored his commitment to experiencing life in the community he aimed to serve as a public official. 

After his time at Brick Towers, he moved to a three-story rental in the South Ward, further demonstrating his connection to Newark and its residents. 

This journey through different living environments highlights Booker’s dedication to understanding the challenges faced by his constituents, reinforcing his image as a leader who genuinely engages with the community he represents.

Related Article: Ron DeSantis Then and Now

Cory Booker Now

Cory Booker is currently 55 years old and has been serving as the junior United States senator from New Jersey since 2013. 

A prominent member of the Democratic Party, he made history as the first African American U.S. senator from New Jersey, breaking significant racial barriers in the state’s political landscape. 

Booker’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by his advocacy for progressive policies, ranging from social justice to healthcare reform. 

Related Article: Stacey Abrams Then and Now

His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and community engagement, earning him respect both within and outside his party.

One of the most notable moments of Booker’s Senate career occurred during the confirmation hearing for Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017, where he became the first senator in U.S. history to testify against another senator. 

This bold move underscored his commitment to civil rights and social justice, as he passionately opposed Sessions’ nomination due to concerns over his record on racial and social issues. 

Related Article: Adam Schiff Then and Now

Booker’s willingness to take a stand on controversial matters has positioned him as a leading voice in the Senate, particularly on issues that resonate with underrepresented communities.

In addition to his legislative work, Booker was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. 

His campaign focused on themes of unity, justice, and opportunity, aiming to inspire hope and engagement among voters. 

Related Article: Kevin McCarthy Then and Now

However, he suspended his campaign on January 13, 2020, as he faced challenges in gaining sufficient support to continue. 

Following his extensive career in the Senate, Booker became New Jersey’s senior senator on August 20, 2024, when Bob Menendez resigned from the Senate. 

This transition highlights Booker’s growing influence and leadership within the state and the national political arena, as he continues to advocate for progressive change and the needs of his constituents.

Related Article: Lindsey Graham Then and Now

Cory Booker Net Worth

Cory Booker is an American politician and lawyer with a net worth of approximately $3 million, reflecting his successful career in public service, his background in law, and various endeavors beyond politics.

Related Article: Elizabeth Warren Then and Now