Zohran Mamdani might not be the only notable figure heading to Gracie Mansion this fall. His wife, Rama Duwaji, an artist, is known for her pro-Palestinian art, and if he wins the Democratic primary in November, she’ll be by his side.
After a surprising win on Tuesday night, Duwaji, 27, joined her 33-year-old husband on stage, marking a significant moment for both of them.
Although she had been somewhat out of the public eye since Mamdani’s candidacy announcement in October, she gained attention in May when details emerged about their intimate engagement celebration in Dubai.
During his victory speech against former governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani took a moment to acknowledge his wife. “I have to thank my incredible wife,” he said amidst applause, finishing with, “Thank you, Lama,” while kissing her hand.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” Duwaji later shared on Instagram. If he wins, it could make him the youngest mayor of New York City since 1914.
So, who is this future first lady of New York?
Brooklyn-based Syrian artist
Duwaji’s Instagram, which has nearly 85,000 followers, indicates her roots in Damascus, Syria. However, a campaign spokesperson clarified that she is “ethnic Syrian and was born in Texas.” This bit of information came to light through the New York Times.
She spent the COVID pandemic with her family in Dubai, according to a past report.
After completing her Master’s in Art in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts, she has been working as an animator and illustrator in Brooklyn for several years.
“Through her work, Duwaji examines the nuances of sisterhood and shared experiences,” her website states.
Her noteworthy clients include The New Yorker, BBC, The Washington Post, and even the Tate Modern Gallery.
Duwaji’s oeuvre primarily consists of digital illustrations that often highlight Palestinian, Arab, and female identity themes, particularly using pen and ink style.
One of her animations, shared by Mamdani on Instagram, describes how charities in New York may be indirectly funding “Israel War Crimes,” highlighting the complexities surrounding these organizations.
Other pieces touch on themes such as the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians and support for protestors arrested for anti-Israel demonstrations at Ivy League schools.
Duwaji and Mamdani met on Hinge
Duwaji and Mamdani originally connected on the dating app Hinge several years ago. Aside from some loving photos on Instagram, not much is public about their relationship.
“Rama isn’t just my wife. She’s an incredible artist deserving of her own recognition,” Mamdani noted on social media, marking one of his first public mentions of her.
The couple tied the knot in a civil ceremony in New York City after a private engagement ceremony in Dubai, where Duwaji’s family resides. The engagement celebration officially took place on December 22, 2024, at the Vida Creek Harbour rooftop, featuring stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
Before the civil ceremony, they had a traditional Nikka, or Islamic marriage agreement, in Dubai.
What’s next for the Mamdani campaign?
In the recent primary, Mamdani garnered 43.41% of the votes, surpassing Cuomo, who received 36.42%. This victory sets Mamdani up to face current mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the upcoming election.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to a filmmaker mother and a prominent father, could become the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
