12 hours ago
Rama Duwaji, wife of the 33-year-old socialist poised to be NYC's next mayor
Zohran Mamdani, candidate for NYC mayor, at the marriage Bureau with his wife Rama Duwaji
New York City may have its eyes on the mayoral Democratic primary after governor Andrew Cuomo was defeated by Zohran Mamdani overnight, but the unexpected star of the race is not on the ballot.
Rama Duwaji stood beside her husband as the 33-year-old Muslim socialist led with 43 percent of the vote and 'made history', in his own words.
It was only a few weeks ago that Mamdani hard-launched his wife, who he met on Hinge, sharing a carousel of their wedding pictures on Instagram.
Until recently, the glamorous Syrian illustrator – who uses her art to support America's growing pro-Palestine movement – was largely absent from her husband's online mayoral campaign.
That changed with a single post after right-wing trolls accused the politician of 'hiding his wife from NYC.'
Sharing pictures from their civil ceremony, he wrote: 'If you take a look at Twitter today, or any day for that matter, you know how vicious politics can be. I usually brush it off, whether it's death threats or calls for me to be deported. But it's different when it's about those you love.
'Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office. Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race – which should be about you – about her.'
He added: 'You can critique my views, but not my family.'
The couple met on Hinge and married last year (Picture: Reuters)
Mamdani ended the post with a heartfelt message, saying that Rama 'isn't just my wife, she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.'
Who is Rama Duwaji?
Rama is a 28-year-old illustrator and animator who lives in Brooklyn, but is originally from Damascus.
Her artwork is primarily in black and white, with the focus often being on a political message relating to American politics.
Most recently, one of her illustrations highlighted what has been described by human rights organisations as Israel's 'deliberate starvation' of Palestinians in Gaza.
Rama Duwaji arrives at the Democratic primary party in Queens, New York (Picture: Shutterstock)
Rama wrote: 'As I was making this, Israel has been bombing Gaza nonstop with consecutive airstrikes. Keep your eyes on Gaza and support Go Project Hope.'
Other work in her portfolio has focused on the ICE detention of Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, and New York charities sending over $60 million every year to 'fund Israeli war crimes' – an issue that her husband has long been a vocal critic of.
In previous interviews, Rama has said that her work 'isn't about feeding the algorithm or pleasing everyone,' adding: 'It's about building a quiet community – organically, honestly – and creating space for care, conversation, and political presence.'
How did Rama and Zohran meet?
Mamdani has been open about meeting his wife on Hinge. The pair went on a first day after liking each other's profiles and, since then, their romance blossomed.
Zohran pictured with his grandmother
The couple had an engagement party in Dubai, on the rooftop of Vida Creek Harbour, which boasts views of the Burj Khalifa.
The Mamdani campaign said in a statement: 'Before their civil ceremony in New York City, Zohran and his wife celebrated their engagement in Dubai last year – where her family lives – with a small, joyful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones.'
Following her husband's success last night, Rama shared four Polaroids of the two, writing in the caption: 'Posting a couldn't possibly be prouder.'
What are Zohran Mamdani's policies?
Mamdani stands out for his energetic campaigning style and eye-catching policy proposals that include freezing rent for many New Yorkers, providing free bus service, universal childcare and city-owned supermarkets.
In one of the most expensive cities in the world – where a three-bedroom flat can easily cost $6,000 a month – his message seems to have struck a chord with many.
His image as a fresh voice for people has rapidly been growing since he declared his candidacy for mayor last fall.
Mamdani has also been one of the most vocal politicians against Israel's war in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
In 2023, he introduced a bill to end the tax-exempt status of charities in New York with ties to Israeli settlements that violate international human rights law.
But the bill quickly went nowhere after lack of support from the Assembly.
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