Cory Booker, a prominent U.S. senator from New Jersey, has built a political career marked by advocacy for social justice, economic reforms, and urban development. Born on April 27, 1969, the 54-year-old has been serving in the U.S. Senate since 2013. Over the years, he has gained significant media attention not only for his political views but also for his financial standing. As of 2025, Cory Booker’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, reflecting his earnings from public service, book sales, speaking engagements, and investments.
Early Life and Education
Cory Booker was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Harrington Park, New Jersey, a predominantly white suburban community. His parents, Cary and Carolyn Booker, were trailblazers as some of the first Black executives at IBM. Booker’s educational background is impressive—he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1991 and a Master’s degree in Sociology in 1992, both from Stanford University. He later attended Yale Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1997.
Political Career and Earnings
Booker started his political journey as a Newark City Council Member in 1998 before serving as the Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. His tenure was marked by urban renewal efforts, crime reduction, and economic revitalization. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013 after the death of Senator Frank Lautenberg and has since been re-elected multiple times.
As a U.S. Senator, Booker earns an annual salary of $174,000, the standard salary for members of Congress. This salary has been a significant part of his wealth accumulation over the years. However, his net worth is also influenced by other financial activities, including book sales, speaking engagements, and investments.
Sources of Income Beyond Politics
1. Book Sales
Booker has authored books that have contributed significantly to his wealth. His memoir, “United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good”, was published in 2016 and generated over $1 million in royalties. His ability to connect with readers through storytelling has made his book a financial success.
2. Speaking Engagements
Booker has also earned money through speaking engagements. According to his financial disclosures, he earned approximately $2 million from public speaking between 2000 and 2024. However, he has also demonstrated generosity by donating $5,000 from his speaking engagements to charity.
3. Investments and Financial Assets
In 2018, Booker’s financial disclosure forms revealed that his assets ranged between $515,006 and $1.1 million. His investments include:
- A Fidelity Money Market Account valued at $375,000.
- A Fidelity FDIC Insured Deposit at Citibank IRA worth $250,001.
By 2019, Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $1.5 million, making him the tenth-richest candidate among the Democratic contenders for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
Comparison with Other Political Figures
Booker’s wealth is moderate compared to some of his political counterparts:
- Elizabeth Warren – Estimated net worth: $12 million.
- Joe Biden – Estimated net worth: $9 million.
- Bernie Sanders – Estimated net worth: $2.5 million.
- Kamala Harris – Estimated net worth: $6 million.
While Booker is a millionaire, his net worth is lower than that of many other prominent Democratic politicians.
Fundraising and Campaign Finances
Booker’s ability to raise funds for his political campaigns has been notable. In 2019, for his presidential campaign, he raised $10 million from 100,000 donors to meet the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) requirements for participating in the debates.
For candidates to qualify for the third Democratic debate, they needed to:
- Poll at least 2% in four qualifying polls between June 28 and August 28.
- Have at least 130,000 donors, with a minimum of 400 contributors from 20 different states.
Booker met these qualifications, allowing him to continue his campaign. However, he eventually suspended his 2020 presidential bid in January 2020, citing a lack of financial resources to continue.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Unlike some wealthy politicians who own multiple real estate properties, Booker has taken a modest approach to real estate. During his time as Mayor of Newark, he lived in low-income housing, showcasing his commitment to his community. His current residence remains less extravagant compared to other politicians with similar net worths.
Personal Life
Cory Booker has never been married and does not have children. However, he was previously in a high-profile relationship with actress Rosario Dawson, which ended in 2022. His personal life has been relatively private, with much of his focus remaining on politics and public service.
Charitable Work and Advocacy
Booker is known for his charitable donations and activism. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Supporting low-income communities in Newark.
- Advocating for criminal justice reform, including the First Step Act.
- Pushing for affordable housing and healthcare policies.
His philanthropic efforts extend to causes such as education, racial equality, and poverty alleviation.
Recent Net Worth Update (2025)
As of 2025, Booker’s estimated net worth has grown to $3 million. This increase is due to:
- Continued earnings from his Senate salary ($174,000 annually).
- Ongoing book royalties.
- Investments and financial growth.
- Paid speaking engagements.
While his financial standing is modest compared to wealthier senators, Booker’s focus has always been more on policy and social change rather than accumulating personal wealth.