Cory Booker Eyes 2028 Presidential Run, Wife a Key Factor

The New Jersey senator says his wife Alexis Lewis will help shape his decision as he seeks Senate reelection.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary political figure standing alone in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and uncertainty about the future.As Cory Booker considers another presidential run, his wife Alexis Lewis will be a key factor in shaping his political future.Newark Today

U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey says he is not ruling out a run for president in the 2028 Democratic primary, noting that his wife Alexis Lewis will play a major role in whether he decides to launch another White House bid. Booker is currently promoting his new book 'Stand' and seeking reelection to his Senate seat this November.

Why it matters

Booker's potential 2028 presidential run would come after his unsuccessful bid in the 2020 Democratic primary. As a prominent senator, Booker's decision could have significant implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party and its presidential nomination process.

The details

Booker told NBC News' 'Meet the Press' that he is 'definitely not ruling out' a 2028 presidential run, and that his wife Alexis Lewis will be a key factor in his decision-making. Booker, who married Lewis in 2025, said 'she knows what's at stake' and that they want to 'be a part of a generation of Americans that helps to redeem the dream.' The senator also noted that he is seeking reelection to his Senate seat this November, telling the host 'I hope New Jersey will support me for another six years.' Booker's current book tour for 'Stand,' in which he lays out his vision for America's future, has further fueled speculation about a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

  • Booker married Alexis Lewis in November 2025.
  • Booker is seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate this November 2026.
  • Booker delivered the longest-ever Senate speech in April 2025, lasting over 25 hours.

The players

Cory Booker

A U.S. Senator from New Jersey who previously served as mayor of Newark. Booker ran for president in the 2020 Democratic primary before suspending his campaign.

Alexis Lewis

Cory Booker's wife, who he says will play a major role in whether he decides to run for president in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“She knows what's at stake...we just want to be a part of a generation of Americans that helps to redeem the dream.”

— Cory Booker, U.S. Senator

“This left-right divide is killing our country, and our adversaries know it. They come onto our social media and try to whip up hate in America.”

— Cory Booker, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Booker is seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate this November 2026, and a decision on a potential 2028 presidential run would likely come after the outcome of that election.

The takeaway

Booker's potential 2028 presidential ambitions highlight the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about its future direction and the role of prominent moderates like Booker. His wife's influence on the decision-making process also underscores the personal factors that can shape high-profile political decisions.