Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Middlesex, Union, and Hudson Counties

NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker continued his Annual 21-County Tour with stops in Middlesex, Union, and Hudson Counties, spotlighting the workers, researchers, and educators whose contributions make New Jersey a national engine of innovation and a cornerstone of America’s domestic manufacturing strength. Senator Booker began the day in Middlesex County at AriZonaLand, AriZona Beverages’ one-million-square-foot production and visitor center in Keasbey. Walking the factory floor, Senator Booker met with employees who oversee everything from brewing and bottling to packaging and distribution, showcasing how New Jersey workers keep one of America’s most recognizable beverage brands running at full scale and demonstrating the state’s capacity to support domestic manufacturing, sustain supply chains, and fuel economic growth across the country. Senator Booker has introduced legislation like the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act to expand manufacturing capacity and has secured federal support to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce. He then traveled to Union County to tour L’Oréal Groupe’s North America Research and Innovation Center, the company’s largest R&I facility outside of Paris. Senator Booker met with chemists, engineers, and leadership to learn how New Jersey-based research is shaping global beauty science—from advanced materials and sustainable formulations to cutting-edge product development. The visit highlighted how New Jersey’s STEM workforce and research institutions anchor high-skilled jobs and strengthen America’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. Senator Booker has consistently supported federal investments in New Jersey’s innovation economy , ensuring that research-driven industries remain a pillar of the state’s growth. At the Center, which does not use animal testing, Senator Booker also discussed his work to reduce unnecessary and wasteful animal testing in scientific innovation. Senator Booker concluded the day in Hudson County at Liberty Science Center, where he presented a ceremonial check marking the $559,000 FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending award he secured to enhance educational programming, including the expansion of a portable planetarium fleet. The project will bring immersive astronomy education directly to schools and communities across New Jersey, expanding access to STEM learning for thousands of students. Senator Booker has long been a supporter of STEM education initiatives, advocating for funding to expand science programming and ensure students statewide have access to world-class learning opportunities. He toured the museum with President and CEO Paul Hoffman and visited the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest planetarium in the United States. “Senator Booker has long shared his love and amazement for the vastness of the universe, other galaxies, and space missions – a passion that dates to his own childhood, as well as during earlier visits to Liberty Science Center as an adult,” said Paul Hoffman, President and CEO of Liberty Science Center. “This very generous grant to our center for the new portable planetarium programming is a sterling manifestation of his commitment to ensure that countless thousands of children across New Jersey can experience the same wonders of science that he did and continues to have. So, we are profoundly grateful to him. In fact, school children and their parents across the state are equally thankful for his generosity.” “Today’s visits showcased the extraordinary breadth of New Jersey’s contributions to our nation—from the manufacturing workers in Middlesex County powering iconic American brands, to the researchers in Union County driving global innovation, to the educators in Hudson County expanding STEM access for the next generation,” said Senator Booker. “Every stop underscored a simple truth: New Jerseyans fuel the global economy. Their skill, creativity, and determination strengthen our state and our country. I’m grateful to everyone who welcomed me today and inspired by the work they do every single day.” Senator Booker’s Annual 21-County Tour continues tomorrow in Bergen, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties.