Introducing Rama Duwaji: The Quiet Force Behind Zohran Mamdani's Campaign
For months, Rama Duwaji remained a subtle presence, quietly supporting her husband, Zohran Mamdani, one of New York City's most scrutinized political candidates as he pursued the Democratic mayoral nomination. But when Mamdani clinched victory in the primary, all attention naturally gravitated toward Duwaji, who stepped into the public eye for the first time alongside her husband in Queens.
A Creative Activist with a Powerful Voice
Duwaji, a 27-year-old Syrian American illustrator and animator, is far more than just the candidate’s spouse. Behind the scenes, she has cultivated an influential artistic and activist profile. Renowned for her compelling, politically infused artwork, her illustrations explore themes of Arab identity, sisterhood, and Palestinian resistance, resonating deeply across diverse audiences.
Her creations have featured in prestigious platforms such as The New Yorker, BBC, The Washington Post, and the Tate Modern. Her animations frequently critique Israel’s actions in Gaza while spotlighting American political complicity—earning her a significant following among a new generation of diasporic artists leveraging social media to challenge dominant narratives.
A Rising Cultural Figure
Beyond Mamdani’s political spotlight, Duwaji is carving out her own distinct path. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers, her bold visual language matches her unapologetic political stance. Raised in Texas with Syrian heritage, she holds a master’s degree in illustration from New York’s School of Visual Arts. Through her digital art and ceramics—especially her intricate hand-etched plates—she channels a fierce commitment to justice.
Art as a Form of Resistance
Duwaji once cited Nina Simone’s famous words: “An artist’s duty… is to reflect the times.” This philosophy permeates her work, which often confronts issues of state violence and oppression. One notable animation she created, shared by Mamdani himself, accused certain NYC-based charities of financing war crimes in Gaza, illustrating her fearless approach to activism through art.
A Personal and Public Partnership
The couple tied the knot earlier this year in a civil ceremony in New York City, followed by a private Muslim nikkah ceremony in Dubai, where Duwaji’s family is based. Despite their busy political and artistic lives, they publicly describe their bond as a modern love story, with Mamdani joking about their meeting on dating app Hinge as a “success story,” suggesting hope for online dating in today’s world.
Looking Ahead
As Zohran Mamdani inches closer to becoming New York City’s first socialist mayor in nearly 100 years, Rama Duwaji remains a vital partner—not only in his campaign but as a compelling artist and activist. As Mamdani declared following his primary win, he couldn’t be prouder of the woman standing beside him.
