Sen. Cory Booker holds marathon speech taking aim at the Trump administration
Sen. Cory Booker holds marathon speech taking aim at the Trump administration

Who Is Cory Booker?

Cory Booker is a U.S. Senator from New Jersey known for his passionate speeches, progressive policies, and long-standing advocacy for social justice. His recent 23-hour speech on the Senate floor has renewed public attention on the 55-year-old lawmaker.

But beyond the headlines, Booker’s story spans from civil rights roots to academic excellence and a persistent drive for change in American politics.

Early Life and Education

Born April 27, 1969, in Washington, D.C., Cory Anthony Booker grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey. His parents, Cary and Carolyn Booker, were among IBM’s first Black executives and active in civil rights movements. Their dedication to justice had a lasting impact on their son.

Booker excelled at Northern Valley Regional High School and earned a football scholarship to Stanford University. He graduated with degrees in political science and sociology, later becoming a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and earning a law degree from Yale.

Personal Life in 2025

Cory Booker remains unmarried as of 2025. His previous high-profile relationship with actress Rosario Dawson ended amicably in 2022.

While Booker does not have children, he often speaks about his extended “chosen family” — friends, mentees, and Newark residents who’ve been part of his journey.

He currently resides in Newark, New Jersey, and has kept a relatively low personal profile. Despite his fame, Booker lives modestly, favoring direct community engagement over the Beltway spotlight.

He is also known for his vegan lifestyle, meditation practice, and passion for fitness — habits he credits for sustaining his stamina during long stretches like his recent filibuster.

Career Highlights

  • Newark City Council (1998–2002): Booker launched his political career with grassroots activism, even living in public housing to stay connected to his community.

  • Mayor of Newark (2006–2013): Focused on crime reduction, education, and urban renewal.

  • U.S. Senator (2013–Present): New Jersey’s first Black senator, Booker has focused on criminal justice reform, civil rights, and healthcare.

He played a major role in passing the First Step Act and has introduced numerous bills on police accountability, environmental justice, and voting rights.

2025 Filibuster Against Trump’s Agenda

In a dramatic show of resistance, Senator Booker took the Senate floor on the evening of April 1, 2025, and delivered a speech lasting more than 24 hours.

By sunrise, Booker was visibly drained — but his message was clear: Democrats are not giving up the fight. The speech was a rallying point for progressives and a reminder that resistance doesn't always require a vote — just a voice and the will to stand.

Senator Cory Booker has set a new record for the longest floor speech in modern Senate history, surpassing the late Senator Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster from 1957.

The New Jersey Democrat began speaking at 7 p.m. ET on Monday and continued well into Tuesday evening, protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration. At the start of his address, Booker pledged to speak for as long as he was “physically able,” delivering his remarks through the night in a show of unwavering determination.

As a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, Booker’s marathon speech highlights the growing pressure within his party to adopt a more aggressive stance against Trump. With Democrats largely sidelined from power in Washington and struggling to mount a unified response to the administration, Booker’s stand has emerged as one of the most visible acts of Democratic resistance during Trump’s second term.

Though largely symbolic and not aimed at blocking any specific legislation, Booker’s speech effectively brought the Senate’s legislative activity to a halt on Tuesday as it continued into the evening.

Throughout his address, the 55-year-old senator warned that the nation is facing a critical moment. He voiced strong criticism of Elon Musk’s efforts to reshape the federal government under Trump and raised alarms over potential cuts to vital healthcare programs that support millions of Americans.

Net Worth and Assets

As of 2025, Cory Booker’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million. His income is primarily from his Senate salary, past speaking engagements, and royalties from his book United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good.

He does not own multiple properties or lavish assets, and his lifestyle reflects his longstanding advocacy for economic fairness.

Final Thoughts

Senator Cory Booker’s 2025 Senate speech was more than a political stunt — it was a personal and principled stand. A former athlete turned lawmaker, Booker continues to blend passion, policy, and persistence. Whether or not another presidential run is in his future, one thing is certain: he’s not done fighting.

FAQs About Cory Booker

Q: Is Cory Booker married?

No, Cory Booker is not currently married and does not have children.

Q: What is Cory Booker known for?

He is known for his work on criminal justice reform, his tenure as Newark Mayor, and his recent 23-hour Senate speech protesting Trump’s executive actions.

Q: What political party does Cory Booker belong to?

He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Q: Where does Cory Booker live?

Booker lives in Newark, New Jersey.

Q: What was Booker’s longest speech in the Senate?

In April 2025, Booker spoke for over 23 hours, the second-longest speech in Senate history, to oppose Trump’s sweeping executive orders.

Q: What did Cory Booker do before politics?

Before entering politics, he was a Stanford football player, Rhodes Scholar, and Yale Law graduate. He also worked on community development projects in Newark.

Who is Alexander Darchiev, New Russian Ambassador to the U.S? Biography, Education, Personal Life, And Career Who is Alexander Darchiev, New Russian Ambassador to the U.S? Biography, Education, Personal Life, And Career

Alexander Darchiev, a veteran Russian diplomat in North American affairs, is now Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S., bringing decades of experience in Washington and Canada.
Who is Rebecca Loos? From Beckham Scandal to Wellness Advocate Who is Rebecca Loos? From Beckham Scandal to Wellness Advocate

Rebecca Loos, once a household name wrapped in tabloid controversy, has re-emerged in the spotlight following her March 30 appearance on 60 Minutes Australia.
Who Is Rep. Anna Paulina Luna? Florida Republican Resigns from House Freedom Caucus Who Is Rep. Anna Paulina Luna? Florida Republican Resigns from House Freedom Caucus

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has made headlines after resigning from the influential House Freedom Caucus.
Who Is Virginia Giuffre? The Woman at the Center of the Prince Andrew Scandal Who Is Virginia Giuffre? The Woman at the Center of the Prince Andrew Scandal

This article explores the life, background, and ongoing story of Virginia Giuffre — from her troubled childhood to her current legal and personal battles.
Who is Le Pen? Biography, Family Life, Career, Net Worth, And Political Future Who is Le Pen? Biography, Family Life, Career, Net Worth, And Political Future

Marine Le Pen, the face of France's far-right, has been convicted of embezzling EU funds and barred from the 2027 presidential race. Discover her biography, ...