Zohran Mamdani’s Wife: Animator Rama Duwaji, Met on Hinge

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    NEW YORK — On Election Day, Rama Duwaji took to Instagram with a concise four-word post that spoke volumes: “couldn’t possibly be prouder.” This message was accompanied by a series of photo-booth images with her husband, Zohran Mamdani, and a selfie taken while voting, marking what would become a significant night for their family. Mamdani, at 33 years old, managed to surprise the political scene and challenge Andrew Cuomo in the race for the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor.

    Though the final outcome still hinges on a ranked choice count, many people woke up eager to learn more about Mamdani and his wife, Duwaji. The self-proclaimed democratic socialist is set to be the nominee, while Duwaji shines in her own right as an animator and illustrator. During Mamdani’s victory speech, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude by kissing Duwaji’s hand and acknowledging the support of his “incredible wife.”

    Throughout much of the campaign, Duwaji maintained a low public profile yet engaged actively on social media through her artistic endeavors. Her career, highlighted by collaborations with reputable entities such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern museum in London, showcases her talents. “Using drawn portraiture and movement, Rama examines the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences,” her website notes.

    Duwaji, aged 27, has Syrian roots and was born in Houston, Texas. Besides her digital artwork, she takes pleasure in creating ceramics, particularly favoring blue and white illustrated plates. A modern fact about the couple has piqued public interest: they met through the dating app Hinge. Mamdani humorously mentioned in a recent podcast episode that “I met my wife on Hinge so there is still hope in those dating apps.”

    About six weeks ago, Mamdani shared a romantic photo series capturing their wedding day at the city clerk’s office earlier this year. Among the images was a black-and-white shot of the couple on the New York subway at Union Square in Manhattan, showcasing a joyful Duwaji in a white dress and boots. In the accompanying message, Mamdani addressed online harassment they faced.

    He highlighted the brutal nature of politics as evident on platforms like Twitter and how it feels different when the target is a loved one. “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 wrote. He emphasized, “Rama isn’t just my wife. She’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family.” Duwaji humorously replied in the comments: “omg she’s real.”

    In an April discussion about art and activism, Duwaji cited Nina Simone: “An artist’s duty as far as I’m concerned is to reflect the times.” She advocated for everyone’s responsibility to speak against injustice, highlighting art’s unique power to spread awareness. “I don’t think everybody has to make political work, but art is inherently political in how it’s made, funded, and shared. Even creating art as a refuge from the horrors we see is political to me,” she expressed.

    On Election Day, Duwaji received a message from her mother-in-law, filmmaker Mira Nair, affirming art’s significance. “Darling DIL — Art will flourish in our city in the new day,” Nair wrote, ending with a heart emoji.