Zohran Mamdani’s assumed victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has raised interest in his personal as well as his public life.
Many are curious about the 33-year-old Democratic socialist’s background, not least his marriage to Syrian artist Rama Duwaji, to whom he paid tribute as she joined him on his stage during his speech declaring victory.
Newsweek has reached out to a press representative for Mamdani for comment.
Why It Matters
Mamdani has had something of a meteoric rise in politics, with the assemblyman starting out as a relative unknown. He first took office in the 36th Assembly District in 2021 and represented the Queens neighborhoods Astoria, Astoria Heights and Ditmars-Steinway.
Zohran Mamdani/Instagram
Mamdani’s success in the mayoral election primary has national implications, signaling the type of candidate Democratic voters are looking for, after a period of uncertainty following the defeat of former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential Election.
Mamdani would be New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected.
What To Know
Rama Duwaji, 27, is an animator and illustrator based in Brooklyn, NYC. She is originally from Damascus, Syria.
According to her website, Duwaji uses “portraiture and movement” to “examine the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences.” She has worked with the likes of The New Yorker, Spotify and the Tate Modern.
In addition to her digital artwork, Duwaji also creates hand-built ceramics, making illustrated plates.
The pair met on the dating app Hinge, something that Mamdani revealed on The Bulwark podcast in support of his belief that there’s “still hope in those dating apps.”
With Mamdani’s victory all but assured in the primary, Duwaji wrote on Instagram that she “couldn’t possibly be prouder” of her husband. She shared a series of photos, including a photo booth strip of the pair, as well as a picture of her with an ‘I voted early’ sticker in front of a campaign poster for Mamdani.
The post has been liked more than 50,000 times as of press time. One of the top comments, with more than 2,000 likes, reads: “Madame First Lady of New York City.”
The couple married earlier this year in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s office.
Speaking to Interview Magazine about the day, Mamdani said of the building: “The outside is just so beautiful and reminiscent of a different New York City, and the inside is in many ways public goods personified. All of these New Yorkers getting married at the same time at different ages and at different times in their lives, it’s very beautiful.”
In an Instagram post on May 12, Mamdani addressed some of the scrutiny that Duwaji had faced. He wrote: “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.
“Rama isn’t just my wife, she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms,” he added. “You can critique my views, but not my family.”
What People Are Saying
Zohran Mamdani, speaking in his victory speech on June 25: “We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford. A city where they can do more than just struggle. One where those who toil in the night can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the day.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez formally endorsed Mamdani on June 5 and urged the left to unite against Cuomo, telling The New York Times: “Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that.”
Bernie Sanders in an Instagram reel posted by Mamdani on June 24: “Zohran has run an extraordinary campaign. He has taken on the entire establishment, they’ve thrown zillions of dollars at him. Last poll had him in the lead. Zohran can become the next mayor of New York City.”
What’s Next
The New York City Board of Elections is expected to announce the full results of the Democratic primary in July after all mail-in ballots are tallied, with the result to be certified on July 15.
The general mayoral election will take place on November 4, with the Democratic candidate set to face competition from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams – a Democrat who is running as an independent – and Republican candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.