Hillary Rodham Clinton

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks at a Jefferson Jackson event hosted by the Democratic Party of Virginia at George Mason University's Patriot Center, in Fairfax, Va., June 26. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

(Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON -- When Hillary Clinton sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, Cory Booker was one of the few prominent New Jersey party members to shun her candidacy. Instead, Booker endorsed her rival, then-Sen. Barack Obama of Ilinois.

In the intervening years, Obama became the first black U.S. president and Booker became New Jersey's first black U.S. senator. On Monday, as Clinton, the front-runner for the 2016 Democratic nomination, held a fundraiser in New Jersey, Booker endorsed her.

"Hillary has fought for her entire career to expand opportunities for all Americans, and these last few months have been amazing to behold. We've seen Hillary exhibit outstanding leadership not only on apprenticeships and youth unemployment, but also criminal justice reform -- all issues you and I care deeply about," Booker wrote in an email letter to supporters on the day before Gov. Chris Christie, formally enters the race for president on the Republican side.

"That's why I'm so proud and honored to endorse Hillary Clinton in her campaign for president, and I want to do everything I can to help her," Booker wrote. "I assured Hillary that you would be as excited as I am to support her campaign. Show her that I was right by contributing now."

Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea hosted the "Evening with Hillary," including a performance by the singer.

MORE POLITICS

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.