When Zohran Mamdani made history as New York City’s first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest mayor, one of the most touching moments of his victory speech was when he thanked his wife, Rama Duwaji. “To my incredible wife, Rama—hayati,” he said, using the Arabic word for “my life.” “There’s no one I’d rather have by my side in this moment, and in every moment.”
Their love story began in a modern way—on the popular dating app Hinge. What started as a simple connection quickly evolved into a meaningful relationship, built on shared values, creativity, and a mutual passion for activism. After a few years of dating, they tied the knot in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s Office in February 2025.
Mamdani fondly recalled their wedding in an interview, describing the civil ceremony as special, saying, “All these New Yorkers getting married at different stages of life—it’s really beautiful.” Later, in July, the couple celebrated a second ceremony in Uganda, Mamdani’s birthplace.
Rama Duwaji, born in Houston, Texas in 1997, spent much of her childhood in Dubai. She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019, and moved to New York City in 2021 to pursue her art full-time. In 2023, she completed a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts.
Duwaji’s artwork, often digital, has appeared in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Vogue, and she has worked with notable clients including Apple, Spotify, and the Tate Modern. She also creates handmade ceramics and teaches workshops on illustration and animation.
Duwaji views her art as deeply political, often exploring themes of identity, displacement, and resistance. Her Syrian-American heritage plays a crucial role in her creative expression, and she has also expressed solidarity with Palestinians through powerful animations.
Though she maintains a relatively low public profile as the city’s First Lady, Rama’s quiet yet unwavering support for her husband is evident. Despite criticisms from some political commentators about her absence during the campaign, Mamdani stood by her, sharing black-and-white wedding photos on Instagram. “Rama isn’t just my wife; she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms,” he wrote.
Their story, which began with a swipe on a dating app, has evolved into a life rooted in activism, art, and public service. Together, they reflect a new kind of political partnership—one that is authentic, supportive, and grounded in mutual respect and love in the digital age.
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