Senator Cory Booker made history this week by delivering the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 4 minutes in protest of former President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, began his remarks at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025, and concluded them at 8:06 p.m. on Tuesday, surpassing the previous record held by Sen. Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 against the Civil Rights Act.
Though not technically a filibuster, Booker’s speech disrupted regular Senate business and delayed action on at least one pending Trump administration nomination.
Why Cory Booker Spoke for Over 25 Hours
Booker’s marathon address was a symbolic protest against what he described as a “grave and urgent” moment in American democracy. He criticized Trump’s proposed budget cuts, attacks on federal programs, and the growing influence of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
“These are not normal times in our nation,” Booker said during his opening remarks. “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.”
Throughout the speech, Booker read letters from constituents, cited Bible verses, shared poetry, and answered questions from Democratic colleagues. His remarks touched on health care, civil rights, economic inequality, and the legacy of figures like the late John Lewis and Sen. John McCain.
Booker said he prepared for the speech by fasting and limiting water intake, noting that remaining on his feet for 25 hours caused muscle cramps and fatigue.
“My strategy was to stop eating,” Booker said, explaining how he managed the physical toll.
What Made the Speech Historic
Unlike past marathon speeches, Booker’s effort was not a solo endeavor. He received sustained support from fellow Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who helped keep the floor open by posing extended questions that allowed Booker to rest his voice without yielding.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stood by him for nearly the entire duration, a gesture that echoed Booker’s own support during Murphy’s 14-hour speech on gun control in 2016.
Booker’s address surpassed other long Senate speeches in recent memory:
- Ted Cruz (R-TX) spoke for 21 hours in 2013 against the Affordable Care Act.
- Rand Paul (R-KY) spoke for nearly 13 hours in 2013 against drone strikes.
- Chris Murphy (D-CT) delivered a 14-hour filibuster on gun legislation in 2016.
But none matched Booker’s 25-hour feat—now the longest in Senate history.
The Legacy of the Speech
In speaking longer than Thurmond, who infamously opposed civil rights legislation, Booker symbolically reversed the narrative behind the Senate’s longest speech.
“I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful,” Booker said, referring to Thurmond.
His message resonated beyond policy. It signaled a renewed willingness among Senate Democrats to take bold, visible stands at a time when many voters feel disconnected from their leaders.
What Happens Next
Although Booker’s speech won’t directly change legislation, it sparked renewed energy among Democrats and drew national attention to Trump’s controversial policy agenda.
The question now is whether the party can maintain that energy.
Booker himself summed it up best as he closed his remarks:
“I rise because I believe we must meet this moment—not with resignation, but with resolve.”
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