It was a few months ago that New York’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani hard-launched his wife – posting their wedding pictures on Instagram – after meeting her on Hinge.
After the 34-year-old’s seemingly impossible win against Andrew Cuomo, Rama Duwaji stood by her husband as he announced that he has finally ‘toppled a political dynasty’.
Until recently, the glamorous Syrian-American illustrator – who supports America’s growing pro-Palestine movement through her art – was largely absent from the mayoral campaign.
She had taken somewhat of a backseat role – but steered his campaign, designing posters and creating his bold, colourful aesthetic which has lit up the city of 8.4 million.
Who is Rama Duwaji?
Rama is a 28-year-old illustrator and animator who lives in Brooklyn, but is originally from Damascus.
Her artwork is primarily in black and white, with the focus often being on a political message relating to American politics.
Most recently, one of her illustrations highlighted the plight of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had been sailing towards Gaza before the ceasefire.
Another recent illustration of the Palestinian flag called for an ‘end to the genocide’ and highlighted the words of the killed Al Jazeera journalist and videographer, Anas al-Sharif, ‘I urge you to not let chains silence you, nor borders hold you back.’
Other work in her portfolio has focused on the ICE detention of Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, and New York charities sending over $60 million every year to ‘fund Israeli war crimes’ – an issue that her husband has long been a vocal critic of.
But perhaps her most famous work is Mamdani’s campaign branding and logo.
A distinct yellow ‘Zohran’ with a red drop shadow, set against a Democratic blue background, has become instantly recognizable to New Yorkers in recent months.
In previous interviews, Rama has said that her work ‘isn’t about feeding the algorithm or pleasing everyone.’
She added: ‘It’s about building a quiet community – organically, honestly – and creating space for care, conversation, and political presence.’
How did Rama and Zohran meet?
Mamdani has been open about meeting his wife on Hinge.
The couple went on a first date after liking each other’s profiles and, since then, their romance blossomed.
The two had an engagement party in Dubai, on the rooftop of Vida Creek Harbour, which boasts views of the Burj Khalifa.
The Mamdani campaign said in a statement: ‘Before their civil ceremony in New York City, Zohran and his wife celebrated their engagement in Dubai last year – where her family lives – with a small, joyful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones.’
Sharing pictures from their civil ceremony, he wrote: ‘If you take a look at Twitter today, or any day for that matter, you know how vicious politics can be. I usually brush it off, whether it’s death threats or calls for me to be deported. But it’s different when it’s about those you love.
‘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.’
He added: ‘You can critique my views, but not my family.’
Mamdani ended the post with a heartfelt message, saying that Rama ‘isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.’
What are Zohran Mamdani’s policies?
Mamdani stands out for his energetic campaigning style and eye-catching policy proposals that include freezing rent for many New Yorkers, providing free bus service, universal childcare and city-owned supermarkets.
In one of the most expensive cities in the world – where a three-bedroom flat can easily cost $6,000 a month – his message seems to have struck a chord with many.
His image as a fresh voice for people has rapidly been growing since he declared his candidacy for mayor last fall.
Mamdani has also been one of the most vocal politicians against Israel’s war in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
In 2023, he introduced a bill to end the tax-exempt status of charities in New York with ties to Israeli settlements that violate international human rights law.
But the bill quickly went nowhere after lack of support from the Assembly.
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