Cory Booker, the charismatic U.S. Senator from New Jersey and former presidential candidate, has long kept his personal life relatively private. But his high-profile relationship with actress and activist Rosario Dawson drew considerable public interest during their time together. After more than two years as a couple, Booker and Dawson have officially ended their relationship, marking the close of a deeply admired, if unconventional, political romance.
A Connection Sparked by Politics
Booker, now 52 years old, first met Rosario Dawson, 42, at a political fundraiser in the summer of 2018. Though sparks didn’t fly immediately, the two later reconnected, and what began as casual conversation soon blossomed into a romantic connection. Booker later told The Washington Post that he was nervous about asking for her number and even fumbled the moment.
“I think I said something really stupid like, ‘Uh, how would I get in touch with you?’ And she mercifully said something like, ‘Oh, you want my phone number?’ And my insides were like, ‘Hell, yeah!’”
That genuine awkwardness, it seems, only made Booker more endearing to Dawson. She described him at the time as charming, confident, and capable—qualities that she found magnetic, despite his sometimes corny sense of humor.
Public Romance With Private Boundaries
The couple kept their romance relatively low-key for several months. It wasn’t until March 2019 that Dawson confirmed the relationship publicly after being spotted by TMZ at a Washington, D.C. airport. When asked about her boyfriend, she smiled and said, “So far, so wonderful.”
Their relationship soon became the subject of media attention—not only because Dawson is a well-known actress and activist, but because Booker was then campaigning for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Their pairing symbolized a rare intersection of Hollywood and Capitol Hill, where both individuals were deeply committed to social causes and progressive values.
Despite their fame, Booker and Dawson made a concerted effort to stay grounded, often relying on FaceTime calls, weekly meetups, and small gestures like Booker reading to her over the phone to maintain their bond amid busy schedules.
Living Together in New Jersey
In May 2020, Rosario Dawson took a significant step and moved in with Booker at his home in Newark, New Jersey. It was a first for the senator—he had never cohabitated with a partner before.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve really lived with somebody,” Booker told BuzzFeed News. “It’s just really nice to set a table, have somebody to say grace with, before a meal… those small things are incredibly enriching.”
The COVID-19 pandemic offered them a rare opportunity to slow down. They spent quality time together in the kitchen, often cooking plant-based meals, and exploring domestic life. Booker, a longtime vegan, credited Dawson with expanding his cooking skills after she bought a food processor for their kitchen.
Public Appearances and Mutual Support
Throughout their time together, Booker and Dawson were publicly supportive of each other. Rosario attended several of his campaign events and made appearances alongside him at important political occasions, including President Joe Biden’s Inauguration in January 2021.
Booker showed similar support for Dawson’s career and activism, often wearing pieces from Studio 189, her fashion brand focused on sustainability and social justice. After Booker won re-election to the Senate in 2020, Dawson posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“So proud of and grateful for you, my love… To know your leadership will continue to guide us with love, brilliance, patience, grace, and effectiveness is the kind of representation and hope we need.”
The Breakup: Still Friends, No Regrets
In early 2022, sources close to Booker confirmed that the couple had ended their relationship but remained on good terms. A source told PEOPLE that the pair “aren’t dating anymore but remain good friends.” Neither Booker nor Dawson has spoken publicly in detail about the breakup, and reps declined to comment.
Their split seemed to be the result of natural drift, not scandal or dysfunction. With their demanding careers—Booker in the Senate and Dawson in film and activism—the challenges of maintaining a relationship under constant public scrutiny may have ultimately taken a toll.
Who Is Cory Booker’s Wife?
As of 2025, Cory Booker does not have a wife. Despite his high-profile romance with Rosario Dawson and previous speculation about a potential engagement, Booker has never been married. In interviews, he has expressed a deep appreciation for meaningful relationships but has also acknowledged the difficulties of sustaining one in the high-pressure world of politics.
Booker, who grew up in New Jersey and attended Stanford, Oxford (as a Rhodes Scholar), and Yale Law School, has always emphasized values of service, humility, and love in both his public and private life. While his romantic relationship with Dawson may have ended, their time together remains a memorable part of his personal journey.
Net Worth and Current Focus
As of 2025, Cory Booker has an estimated net worth of around $3 million, derived from his salary as a U.S. Senator, book royalties, and public speaking engagements. His focus remains on housing justice, police reform, climate action, and community equity, key pillars of his long-standing political platform.
Dawson continues to work in both Hollywood and social justice spaces, promoting causes such as criminal justice reform and sustainable fashion.
Final Thoughts
The end of Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson’s relationship marks the conclusion of one of the more unique political romances in recent memory. Though they’ve chosen to part ways, the mutual admiration, respect, and love they shared was evident throughout their time together.
In a political world often consumed by conflict, their relationship offered a glimpse of something softer, more grounded—and undeniably human.
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