As New York City welcomes its new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, attention has turned to his wife, Rama Duwaji — a Brooklyn-based Syrian American artist known for her talent and privacy. Their love story began on Hinge in 2021 and led to a small wedding at the City Clerk’s office in early 2025.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mamdani wrote, “Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama… Rama isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.” Since his victory, Duwaji has declined interviews, telling The New York Times that the sudden attention was overwhelming. Friends describe her as graceful and inspiring — one calling her “our modern day Princess Diana.”
Duwaji was born in the U.S. to Syrian parents and has spoken about her mixed identity: “I was born in the States and lived here till I was nine.” Her illustrations explore themes of sisterhood and belonging, with work featured in The New Yorker, BBC, Apple, and Tate Modern. Her 2024 MFA project, “Sahtain!”, turned cooking into a reflection on memory and joy.
As Mamdani makes history as New York’s first South Asian and Ugandan-born mayor, his wife’s quiet strength and artistry have captivated the public. Online fans gush that “Rama is giving First Lady!!!” Whether she stays private or steps forward, Duwaji’s blend of creativity and calm has already redefined what it means to be a modern First Lady.
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