As Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor, attention has turned to the woman who played a pivotal yet discreet role in his rise — his wife, Rama Duwaji.
The 28-year-old Syrian-American artist, who was raised in Dallas and educated in Dubai, has become the city’s youngest-ever First Lady. Although she largely avoided the public spotlight during the campaign, Duwaji was instrumental in shaping Mamdani’s visual and digital identity — from designing his campaign logo and colours to strengthening his social media presence, New York Post reported.
Those familiar with the couple describe Duwaji as reserved but highly influential. While she refrained from participating in debates, public appearances, or interviews, her creative input and steadfast support were regarded as central to Mamdani’s campaign strategy.
Duwaji’s Instagram account, which has grown to more than 160,000 followers, primarily showcases her artwork — including pieces reflecting pro-Palestinian themes — with only a single post acknowledging her husband’s primary victory. The post was simply captioned: “Couldn’t possibly be prouder.”
Prior to the campaign, the couple reportedly discussed the potential impact of political life on their privacy — a balance Duwaji has carefully preserved. In a May post, Mamdani publicly defended his wife’s preference to stay out of the limelight, writing: “Rama isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.”
Friends describe Duwaji as thoughtful, creative, and quietly confident. One acquaintance even likened her to “a modern-day Princess Diana,” referencing her poise and the intrigue she generates. Others noted that she felt both excited and overwhelmed by the growing public attention as the campaign progressed.
A ceramist and illustrator by profession, Duwaji has consistently declined interview requests and has not commented on her decision to maintain a low public profile.
Duwaji and Mamdani met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. The couple reside in a rent-stabilised apartment in Astoria, Queens, and were married in a civil ceremony at the City Clerk’s Office in February, followed by a larger celebration in Uganda in July. Behind New York’s new mayor stands an artist whose creative vision — rather than public words — helped shape a movement that made history.
