Who Is Zohran Mamdani’s Wife? Inside Rama Duwaji’s Career, Art, and Growing Public Role

New York City’s new mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has captured national attention for his historic victory, but another figure is quickly becoming a public fascination — his wife, Rama Duwaji. The 28-year-old artist is set to become the youngest First Lady in the city’s history, marking a new era in both politics and art.

Duwaji, who stood beside her husband during his emotional victory speech, has suddenly found herself in the spotlight. “There is no one I would rather have by my side in this moment,” Mamdani said at his election night rally, calling her “hayati” — Arabic for “my life.”

Rama Duwaji’s Career and Background

Born in Texas to Syrian parents, Rama Duwaji is a New York-based artist known for her powerful works exploring Middle Eastern identity, sisterhood, and resistance. Her illustrations have appeared in BBC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Vice, with several pieces showcased at London’s Tate Modern museum.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, Duwaji earned her master’s in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her professional portfolio describes her art as examining “the nuances of communal experiences through drawn portraiture and movement.”

Much of her work is done in black and white, reflecting themes of displacement and resilience across the Arab world. During the pandemic, Duwaji lived in Dubai with her family, where she continued to develop her creative projects remotely. Her work was also featured in the BBC World Service documentary “Who Killed My Grandfather,” which investigated the assassination of a Yemeni politician.

Relationship with Zohran Mamdani and Political Spotlight

Duwaji met Mamdani on the dating app Hinge — a story he has recounted with humor in interviews. The couple married in early 2024 and kept their relationship largely private until his campaign gained traction. Critics once accused Mamdani of “hiding” his wife, but he defended her choice to remain out of the public eye, citing the toxicity of online political discourse.

Behind the scenes, Duwaji played a crucial role in shaping Mamdani’s campaign branding — including the distinctive color palette and typography used in his materials, according to CNN. Friends describe her as both creative and grounded, with one close friend telling The New York Times that she is “our modern-day Princess Diana.”

Art, Advocacy, and Public Voice

Beyond her artistic career, Duwaji is outspoken on global and humanitarian issues. Her artwork often challenges American imperialism and expresses solidarity with Palestinians, Syrians, and immigrants facing persecution. “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times,” she told YUNG magazine in an April 2025 interview, quoting musician Nina Simone. “Art is inherently political — even creating refuge from horror is political.”

Her husband’s policies often mirror her advocacy, particularly on immigration and human rights. While Duwaji has avoided the media spotlight, observers expect her influence to grow as she steps into her new role as First Lady of New York City — one that merges activism, creativity, and representation for Arab-American women.

As Zohran Mamdani prepares to take office, Rama Duwaji’s evolution from artist to public figure marks the beginning of a new cultural chapter for New York City — one where art and politics converge.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Zohran Mamdani’s wife?

His wife is Rama Duwaji, a 28-year-old Syrian-American artist based in New York City. She will become the youngest First Lady in NYC history.

Q2: What does Rama Duwaji do for a living?

She is a professional illustrator whose work has appeared in major global outlets and museums, exploring Middle Eastern identity and politics.

Q3: Where did Rama Duwaji study?

Duwaji graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Q4: How did Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji meet?

The couple met on the dating app Hinge and married in early 2024 after dating privately for over a year.

Q5: What are Rama Duwaji’s main artistic themes?

Her work focuses on displacement, sisterhood, and political identity within Middle Eastern communities.

References

BBC News. (2025). “Rama Duwaji: Who is the wife of NYC’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani?” November 5, 2025.

CNN. (2025). “Rama Duwaji’s unseen role in Zohran Mamdani’s campaign.” October 2025.

The New York Times. (2025). “Zohran Mamdani’s victory and the rise of his wife, artist Rama Duwaji.” November 2025.