On a memorable Tuesday night, as Zohran Mamdani was named the new mayor of New York City, making history both as the first Muslim mayor and the youngest to hold the position in over a century, someone equally remarkable stood by his side—his wife, 28-year-old artist, Rama Duwaji, who is also set to make her mark on history.
While Zohran’s political ascent is newsworthy, his touching love story with Rama seems straight out of a fairy tale. It all began not in the hectic surroundings of City Hall but in the unassuming world of a dating app.
A match made on Hinge
Back in 2021, as Zohran had just started his role in the New York State Assembly, he and Rama first got to know each other through Hinge. Although Rama, a Syrian-American illustrator settled in Brooklyn, wasn’t particularly keyed into the political scene of New York at the time, their first meeting was straightforward and charming.
Their initial outing was sipping coffee at Qahwah House, a delightful Yemeni café in Brooklyn, followed by a stroll through McCarren Park. The second date saw Zohran inviting Rama to explore his district of Astoria, the very area that would later help support his bid for mayor.
By October 2024, the couple was engaged.
Reflecting her pride, Rama shared heartfelt images of both of them alongside a childhood picture of Zohran on her Instagram account, exclaiming, “Couldn’t possibly be prouder.”
In the days following their engagement, Zohran announced his campaign run for mayor. Their engagement and nikah celebrations were held in Dubai, in a spectacular setting on a rooftop overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa, adorned with white roses and lush greenery.
The event designer, LMF Dubai, described it on Instagram as “more than an event—it was a floral installation set against Dubai’s dusky skyline.”
A civil ceremony in New York
Just two months on, in February 2025, Zohran and Rama completed their union with a civil ceremony at the City Clerk’s Office in Lower Manhattan. He later posted snapshots of that special day, capturing a candid black-and-white image of them sharing a ride on the New York City subway at Union Square.
In the photo, an elated Rama is seen in a white dress and black boots, holding a bouquet, while Zohran beams beside her, with the scene of commuters going about their day oblivious to their newfound celebrity status.
Addressing critics, Zohran defended Rama, stating, “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. Rama isn’t just my wife; she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family.”
Who is Rama Duwaji?
Houston, Texas, was where Rama’s journey began until her family moved her to Dubai at the tender age of nine. She returned to the United States to pursue higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University, later achieving her master’s degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Her art, featured in worthy publications like The Cut, Vogue, The New Yorker, and BBC, delves into themes of identity, womanhood, and displacement.
With a following of over 250,000 on Instagram, her creations often spotlight Middle Eastern women, Gaza, and the Palestinian cause.
Earlier this year, she declared, “I believe everyone has a responsibility to speak out against injustice, and art has such an ability to spread it.” She continued, “With so many people being pushed out and silenced by fear, all I can do is use my voice to speak out about what’s happening in the US and Palestine and Syria as much as I can.”
When not immersed in digital artworks, Rama finds joy in shaping her own ceramics, especially her signature hand-painted blue-and-white plates.
Avoiding a typical “first lady” role, Rama opted to quietly exert an influential presence in Zohran’s campaign journey, contributing significantly to its branding with a striking mix of Metrocard yellow, Mets blue, and firehouse red found on posters and digital ads throughout the city.
“She’s been a huge influence on how we present our message,” one campaign staffer admitted. “Even if she’s not on stage, she’s everywhere.”
From Brooklyn to Gracie Mansion
As the couple prepares to transition into Gracie Mansion, Rama Duwaji is set to become the First Lady of New York City and a trailblazer as the first member of Gen Z to hold this esteemed title.
Social media buzzed with excitement about this new chapter, with one user on X noting, “If Mamdani wins the election, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in a century, Duwaji too would be positioned to make and shape history. She would be the first member of Gen Z to serve as New York City’s first lady.”
“Now, that’s exciting!” another chimed in, and a third echoed, “The new First Lady of NYC, Rama Duwaji, ladies and gentlemen.”
“First-ever Gen Z First Lady of NY!” celebrated another.
Whether Rama opts to remain behind-the-scenes or step into a more active advocacy role, one thing is certain: she is setting new standards for contemporary political partnerships.
Together, Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji are paving the way not as New York’s latest power couple alone but as exemplars of a new era led by creativity, determination, and a deep-seated commitment to love and social change.
