Zohran Mamdani’s Marriage: The Story of His Wife, Rama Duwaji

In recent weeks, Zohran Mamdani—a 33‑year‑old New York State Assemblymember and Democratic socialist mayoral candidate—has been in the spotlight not only for his historic campaign but also for his marriage to Syrian illustrator Rama Duwaji. Their relationship, private yet poignant, reflects both the personal and political facets of modern public life.

Who Is Rama Duwaji?

Rama Duwaji is a Brooklyn‑based artist with Syrian roots whose illustrations have earned recognition in high‑profile publications:

• Editorial bylines: Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, VICE, and New Yorker.

• Education: She holds an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts.

• Residency: Currently based in Brooklyn, she spent much of the COVID‑19 pandemic in Dubai, where her family lives.

Rama’s artistic voice is powerful yet nuanced, often incorporating personal and political themes that resonate across communities.

How They Met—and Married

Dating App Beginnings

• Zohran has openly shared that he and Rama connected via Hinge, a modern-day love app. He emphasized that dating apps “still work” when used with effort and authenticity.

A Dubai‑Style Engagement and Islamic Wedding

• In pursuit of family tradition, they held an engagement and Nikkah (Islamic marriage contract) on December 22, 2024, at Vida Creek Harbour in Dubai—captivating views of the Burj Khalifa served as a backdrop.

• While the event was described by outlets as “not extravagant”—around $72 per person with modest food/beverage expenditure—it highlights their effort to balance cultural significance with simplicity.

Civil Ceremony in New York

• Back in NYC, the couple formalized their marriage in a civil ceremony at the City Clerk’s office—a spot Zohran famously called his “favorite building in New York,” describing it as a powerful representation of public goods.

Milestones in Their Relationship

Why This “Wife News” Matters

1. Revealing Modern Relationships in Public Life
   The public introduction of Rama via Instagram came after right-wing critics accused him of hiding his wife and attacking her pro‑Palestinian art. Zohran countered by saying, “You can critique my views, but not my family,” using the moment to highlight the intersection of personal and political spheres.

2. Multicultural Symbolism
   Their partnership—Indian‑Ugandan Muslim (Zohran) and Syrian artist (Rama)—echoes New York’s diversity. Media noted the couple “met on Hinge,” representing a generational love story shaped by technology and globalism .

3. Political Strategy and Personal Branding
   By publicly acknowledging Rama, Zohran reframed the narrative. Instead of evading scrutiny, he embraced transparency and defended his partner’s autonomy, an approach appreciated in interview-style profiles.

What We Know About Their Life Together

• Shared Values: Both emphasize affordability—Romantic efforts and housing politics overlap in their worldview .

• Art + Advocacy: Rama’s work—supporting Palestinian rights through art—aligns with Zohran’s progressive politics.

• Private Yet Public: Their choice to celebrate intimate ceremonies but also share selective photos shows a careful balance of privacy and engagement.

• Cultural Depth: Islamic Nikkah in Dubai followed by a U.S. civil ceremony highlights their respect for both faith and civic duty.

Closing Thoughts

Zohran Mamdani’s ascent from Assemblymember to Democratic mayoral nominee (beating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025) has brought attention not only to his policy platform—economic justice, rent control, tenant protections—but also to his personal narrative with Rama Duwaji.

Their story is emblematic of a generation that navigates the overlap of:

• Political ambition

• Cultural and religious heritage

• Public visibility and private values

Rama is not just "the wife of a candidate," but an individual—a Syrian artist whose work is recognized, whose marriage rituals span continents, and who stands as partner in personal and political life.