Senator Cory Booker, 54, has long been recognized for his impassioned speeches, progressive values, and dedication to public service. The New Jersey Democrat made headlines yet again with a marathon speech on the Senate floor, decrying the Trump administration’s policies and drawing national attention for his unwavering defense of health care access and social justice.
While Booker is known for his bold political stances and leadership within the Democratic Party, many have also expressed curiosity about his personal life, particularly his relationship status and whether he has a wife.
Is Cory Booker Married?
As of 2025, Cory Booker is not currently married. However, his most public relationship was with actress and entrepreneur Rosario Dawson, best known for her work in Rent, Daredevil, and numerous political advocacy campaigns. The couple first confirmed their relationship in early 2019, and they were frequently seen together at political events, red carpet appearances, and interviews.
The relationship was notable because Booker is one of the few high-profile U.S. politicians in recent memory to be romantically linked with a Hollywood figure during an election cycle. In fact, when Booker ran for president in 2020, Dawson often joined him on the campaign trail.
In February 2022, it was confirmed that Booker and Dawson had amicably ended their relationship, with both continuing to speak highly of one another. Since the split, Booker has maintained a low profile regarding his romantic life, focusing instead on legislation, social justice issues, and leadership roles in the Senate.
Booker’s Passionate Senate Speech
Booker made headlines again in March 2025 with a fiery and emotional address on the Senate floor. Beginning at 7:00 PM ET, Booker vowed to speak “as long as I am physically able”, highlighting what he called a national crisis stemming from policy decisions made under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Although not a formal filibuster, the speech functioned as a powerful symbol of resistance. Over the course of several hours, Booker covered a wide range of issues, from Medicaid cuts and health care instability to threats against democracy and the erosion of middle-class protections.
“These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate,” Booker said, his voice rising with conviction.
He specifically warned against attempts to dismantle healthcare protections without offering viable alternatives, pointing to the harm such moves would cause for millions of Americans.
Invoking McCain and Lewis
In a particularly emotional moment, Booker invoked the memory of Senator John McCain, recalling the late Arizona senator’s dramatic “thumbs down” vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017.
“Senator McCain, I know you wouldn’t sanction this… I’ve seen you tear people apart on this floor, Democrat and Republican, for doing the same stupid thing over and over again,” he said.
He also spoke of being prayed over by Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, who encouraged him to “make John Lewis-type good trouble.” It was a powerful reference to the late civil rights icon, who famously used nonviolent protest and moral clarity to challenge injustice.
Who Is Cory Booker Outside of Politics?
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Harrington Park, New Jersey, Cory Booker graduated from Stanford University, earned a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, and later completed his law degree at Yale. He served as Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013 before being elected to the U.S. Senate.
Booker is known not only for his political career but also for his deep spiritual convictions, vegan lifestyle, and advocacy for criminal justice reform. He frequently discusses the importance of empathy, kindness, and service—values that continue to shape both his legislative priorities and his personal life.
Despite remaining unmarried, Booker has spoken openly about the pressures of dating while in public office and the expectation that political leaders be partnered. In multiple interviews, he has said that while he values romantic relationships, he believes a fulfilling life doesn’t hinge on marriage alone.
Net Worth and Career Highlights
As of 2025, Cory Booker’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million, derived primarily from his Senate salary, book deals, and speaking engagements. He published his memoir, United, in 2016, and has continued to write and speak on topics ranging from urban development to spiritual growth.
Booker is often cited as a rising star within the Democratic Party, with speculation about future leadership roles or even another potential run for higher office.
Final Thoughts: Love, Leadership, and Legacy
While Cory Booker’s wife remains a topic of speculation due to his unmarried status, his devotion to public service and moral leadership continues to define his public image. His powerful Senate speech, invoking both personal conviction and the legacies of McCain and Lewis, underscored why he remains a respected voice in American politics.
Whether or not Booker chooses to marry in the future, his story already offers a model of integrity, resilience, and heart-driven leadership. In the often cynical world of politics, his willingness to stand—sometimes literally for hours—for what he believes remains both rare and inspiring.