Cory Booker

During his tenure as mayor of Newark (2006–2013), Cory Booker faced significant criticism regarding his oversight of the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation. Investigations uncovered systemic corruption, including embezzlement, kickbacks, and the awarding of no-bid contracts to political allies, which resulted in the criminal convictions of nine individuals. While a 2014 state comptroller's report faulted Booker and his administration for failing to exercise proper oversight, there is no evidence he received personal financial benefit. In 2016, a federal judge granted Booker immunity in a civil lawsuit related to the agency's mismanagement. In other matters, hackers stole $3,092 from his Senate campaign account in 2023, an issue the campaign reported to the FEC and financial institutions. Public controversies have also included his 2012 defense of private equity practices and his support for Senator Bob Menendez during Menendez's corruption trials. No criminal charges or ethics convictions have been brought against Booker during his career.