As Zohran Mamdani emerges as the leading Democratic contender for mayor of New York City, attention is turning to someone who had remained largely out of the public eye during his campaign — his wife, Rama Duwaji.

A 27-year-old Syrian-American artist and animator based in Brooklyn, Duwaji was introduced to a broader audience during Mamdani’s primary victory speech this week, where he thanked her and kissed her hand on stage. The moment quickly went viral, prompting curiosity about the woman behind the progressive frontrunner.

Who is Rama Duwaji?

Born in Texas to Syrian parents, Rama Duwaji is known for her poignant black-and-white illustrations exploring themes of sisterhood, identity, and the Arab experience. Her work has been featured by BBC News, The New York Times, Vice, and the Tate Modern in London. She holds a Master’s in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

Duwaji’s visual narratives often delve into issues like American imperialism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and diasporic identity. According to her official website, her art seeks to “reflect the communal experiences of the Middle Eastern diaspora through movement and portraiture.”

A Quiet Role in a High-Profile Campaign

Despite Mamdani’s meteoric rise in the New York political scene, Duwaji remained noticeably absent from campaign events. Opponents accused the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist of “hiding” his wife — a criticism he addressed on 12 May via Instagram, sharing wedding photos and writing: “You can critique my views, but not my family.”

He added, “Politics is brutal. I can handle the attacks, but I won’t expose my loved ones to the same.”

The couple met on the dating app Hinge and were married in a civil ceremony in New York City earlier this year. Before that, they held a traditional Islamic engagement ceremony, or nikah, on a rooftop in Dubai, where Duwaji’s family resides. Photos from the event showed the skyline lit behind them, flowers, and gold embellishments reflective of their cultural heritage.

A Political and Cultural Ally

Duwaji’s political values closely align with Mamdani’s. Her social media and past interviews reflect strong support for Palestinian rights and critiques of U.S. foreign policy. She has openly condemned what she terms “Israeli war crimes” and the “ethnic cleansing of Palestinians,” statements that mirror her husband’s progressive stances on international issues.

In a 2022 BBC documentary titled “Who Killed My Grandfather?”, Duwaji’s illustrations helped visualize the assassination of a Yemeni politician. The work blended political trauma with visual storytelling — a hallmark of her style.

In an interview with website YUNG earlier this year, she said, “With so many people being silenced by fear, all I can do is use my voice to speak out about what’s happening in the U.S., Palestine, and Syria.”

She added, quoting Nina Simone: “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” (Source)

Privacy vs. Visibility

Duwaji’s quiet presence during the campaign contrasts with the traditional American political model, where spouses often serve as surrogates for their partner’s values. Her decision to stay mostly off-stage reflects a conscious balance between public responsibility and personal privacy.

Her Instagram post following Mamdani’s win — “couldn’t possibly be prouder” — was accompanied by a set of monochrome images capturing candid, affectionate moments between the couple. The photos quickly drew praise from supporters, especially young voters inspired by the couple’s mix of culture, art, and political courage.

What’s Next for Duwaji?

Should Mamdani win the mayoral election, Duwaji may find herself navigating a more public role as NYC’s First Lady-in-waiting. Whether she chooses to step into the spotlight or remain focused on her artistic practice, it’s clear that her voice — through brushstrokes and words — will remain a force in the cultural and political conversation.

Related: How Mamdani Stunned New York – and What Democrats Can Learn