Cory Booker’s Marathon Stand: A 25-Hour Rally Against Injustice on the Senate Floor

Washington, D.C. – April 1, 2025

In an unprecedented display of endurance and determination, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the U.S. Senate floor in protest of President Trump’s policies. Breaking the previous record held by Senator Strom Thurmond, Booker’s marathon address was not aimed at blocking a specific bill but served as a powerful symbolic stand against what he described as an “unconstitutional” and dangerous agenda.

A Night of Unyielding Resistance
Booker took the floor at 7:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, vowing to remain “for as long as I am physically able.” Over the course of 25 hours and 5 minutes, he laid out a sweeping critique of policies he claims have imperiled the nation’s safety, financial stability, and democratic foundations. Speaking without pause, without food or water to avoid any interruptions, Booker’s speech was a tour de force of political rhetoric and personal sacrifice.

Throughout his address, Booker invoked the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis—his mentor and a symbol of relentless courage. “Tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble,” Booker declared, echoing Lewis’s call for bold resistance. His passionate words resonated with many as he argued that the current political climate demands more than partisan bickering; it requires a moral awakening.

A Record-Breaking Feat
As Booker’s speech stretched into the next day, fellow Democrats provided brief interludes by asking him questions, allowing him to momentarily catch his breath without relinquishing his hold on the floor. These carefully managed breaks helped him push past the 24-hour mark and ultimately break the longstanding record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set in 1957 by Strom Thurmond. The Senate chamber erupted in applause when Booker finally yielded at 8:05 p.m. EDT on April 1.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the senator’s historic feat, stating, “Your strength, your fortitude, and your unwavering commitment have shown all of America that there is still hope for real change.” Support from colleagues and viewers alike underscored the significance of Booker's message at a time when many Americans feel that the country is in a state of crisis.

The Message Behind the Marathon
Booker’s speech was more than a personal endurance test—it was a rallying cry for his party and the nation. He criticized the Trump administration for what he described as reckless budget cuts, aggressive immigration policies, and a broader attack on the social safety net. In his address, Booker read heartfelt letters from constituents whose lives had been upended by these policies, emphasizing the human cost of political decisions.

Moreover, Booker’s message transcended partisan boundaries. He noted that many of the people suffering under these policies identified as Republicans, arguing that the threat posed by the current administration is a national crisis that demands collective action. “I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful,” Booker asserted, reminding everyone that democracy is built on the resilience and unity of its citizens.

A Moment That Captivated the Nation
The historic speech was widely broadcast and streamed live across multiple platforms, garnering hundreds of thousands of viewers and sparking intense discussion on social media. The record-breaking effort not only redefined Senate history but also ignited a sense of urgency among Democrats and progressive activists to push back against policies they believe are eroding the American way of life.

Cory Booker’s marathon speech stands as a testament to the power of words and the enduring spirit of resistance—a call to action that continues to reverberate far beyond the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol.