If you’ve seen Zohran Mamdani making headlines lately — the New York State Assembly member and now a rising mayoral hopeful — you might have also heard the name Rama Duwaji, his wife. But who exactly is she?
Rama Duwaji isn’t a political figure. She’s an artist — and quite an accomplished one. Born in Houston, Texas, to Syrian parents, she grew up surrounded by creativity and culture. Today, she’s a multidisciplinary artist who works across illustration, animation, and ceramics, blending Middle Eastern influences with modern storytelling.
Her artwork has appeared in major publications and collaborations — from The New Yorker and The Washington Post to Apple, Spotify, and Tate Modern. She even earned her Master’s in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she now lives and works.
A Creative Mind With a Purpose
Duwaji’s art often explores themes of identity, belonging, and social justice. She has spoken about how “every act of creating art is political — who gets funded, who gets heard, and who gets seen.” Her pieces are known for their emotional honesty and cultural nuance, often inspired by her Syrian roots and the immigrant experience.
How She Met Zohran Mamdani
Their love story is refreshingly modern. Rama and Zohran met on the dating app Hinge, started talking about books and art, and eventually fell in love. They got engaged in October 2024 and tied the knot in early 2025, holding a small civil ceremony in New York followed by a private celebration in Dubai.
While Zohran’s political star continues to rise, Rama has chosen to stay mostly behind the scenes — rarely appearing at campaign events and keeping her social media focused on her artwork instead of politics.
A Different Kind of Political Partner
What makes Rama stand out is how she represents a new kind of partner in public life — someone who isn’t defined by her spouse’s position but by her own creative and professional identity.
Even though she keeps a low public profile, her influence is quietly felt. As Zohran becomes a more prominent voice in progressive U.S. politics, Rama’s presence — grounded in art, empathy, and multicultural identity — adds another layer to their story.
If Zohran were to win the New York mayoral race, Rama Duwaji could very well become one of the city’s most unconventional and artistic First Ladies — one who carries clay and color palettes instead of political speeches.
