Zohran Mamdani has made headlines as a Democratic mayoral candidate, and by his side is his wife, the talented artist Rama Duwaji. Let’s explore her background and their love story.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani’s Wife? Meet Rama Duwaji!
Zohran Mamdani is making headlines worldwide after declaring victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary ahead of the general election, and by his side throughout the journey is his wife, Rama Duwaji.
The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist candidate has largely kept most of his relationship out of the spotlight, but last month, he shared a rare and heartfelt tribute to his 27-year-old partner on Instagram.
“Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk’s office,” he wrote.
“Rama isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.”
Who Is Rama Duwaji?
So who is Rama Duwaji? Get to know the talented woman supporting his campaign every step of the way!
Background and Education
She’s from Syria and is based in Brooklyn
Originally from Damascus, Syria, Rama now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a BFA in communication design from Virginia Commonwealth University, according to her artist bio with L’AiR Arts. During the pandemic, she spent time living in Dubai with her family before eventually making the move to New York around 2021.
Artistic Career
She’s a visual artist with an impressive résumé
Rama works as an illustrator and animator. Her client list includes The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern. One of her pieces was featured in The New Yorker as recently as May 2025.
In an April 2025 interview with Yung Mea, she opened up about the mission behind her work: “These days, I focus on making art about my experiences and the things I care about, and the community that forms from conversations about my work — both online and in person — happens organically. I make my work for people who care about the things I care about.”
She also creates hand-built ceramics and often shares her pieces on social media.
Their Love Story
They met on Hinge!
Zohran Mamdani shared during a June 2025 appearance on The Bulwark podcast that he met Rama on the dating app Hinge.
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While it’s unclear when they officially began dating, he posted a photo taken by Rama in April 2022 and appeared to confirm their engagement in October 2024 with a ring emoji and the caption: “Light of my life.” The post also included the hashtag “#hardlaunch.”
They tied the knot in a civil ceremony earlier this year.
The couple got married in early 2025 at the City Clerk’s office in Manhattan. In an interview with Interview Magazine, Zohran shared why the venue held special meaning for him: “The outside is just so beautiful and reminiscent of a different New York City, and the inside is in many ways public goods personified. All of these New Yorkers getting married at the same time at different ages and at different times in their lives, it’s very beautiful.”
Photographer Kara McCurdy, who captured their wedding, shared a sweet memory on social media, writing: “A few years ago, Zohran and I went for a run to catch up after spending a few weeks apart. About a mile in, Zohran told me ‘I think I’m gonna marry this woman,’ and I knew he really meant it.”
According to the campaign, the couple also celebrated their engagement with a small ceremony in Dubai in 2024, where Rama’s family lives.
Supportive Partnership
She’s proud of her husband – and vocal about it
After he delivered his speech on June 24 celebrating his lead in the primary, he was joined at the podium by Rama, who smiled as he kissed her hand and cheek in front of supporters.
She later shared a sweet black-and-white photobooth strip on Instagram, writing, “couldn’t possibly be prouder.”
Earlier that month, he spoke out in defense of his wife after she received attention from critics during the race. “Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race — which should be about you — about her,” he wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Find out more about his surprise victory in the primary!
