Zohran Mamdani marries artist wife Rama Duwaji ahead of mayoral race

In June 2025, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman representing the 36th Assembly District in Queens, New York, marked a significant moment in his political career by winning the Democratic primary for mayor. This decisive victory drew considerable media attention not only for its political implications but also for the spotlight it shone on his wife, Rama Duwaji, a 27-year-old animator and illustrator originally from Damascus, Syria. They met on the dating app Hinge and were married in a civil ceremony earlier this year. Mamdani took a moment during his victory speech to honor his wife, expressing gratitude and affection in front of a cheering audience, which demonstrated his commitment to both his political and personal life. Duwaji, who has collaborated with prominent organizations like The New Yorker and BBC, focuses on art that reflects social and political commentary. Her work often addresses issues such as sisterhood, communal experiences, and struggles faced by societies, evident in her recent pieces commenting on crises in Gaza and Sudan. As Mamdani prepares to face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the general election on November 4, the couple continues to engage the public, Duwaji voicing her pride in Mamdani's political journey through social media. The campaign has been marked by controversy, as Mamdani rebuffed accusations that he was hiding his wife from the public eye, asserting that Duwaji should be recognized for her artistic accomplishments independent of their marriage. As the campaign develops, it raises questions regarding the intersection of personal relationships and political life. Should Mamdani win, he would become New York's first Muslim and Indian American mayor, with Duwaji potentially serving as the city's first lady, marking a historic milestone not just for them but also for the New York City political landscape.