New York City: Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic socialist who won NYC's mayoral primary, is making headlines for all the right reasons- primarily for espousing progressive economic growth. However, along with him, now his wife, Rama Duwaji (27), a Syrian illustrator and visual artist based in Brooklyn, is also going viral, all thanks to their unique love story.

The couple’s story began not on a campaign trail, but through the popular dating app Hinge. In an interview with Kaneez Surka, Mamdani revealed that he found his wife on Hinge. “So (dating apps) still work. Just to let people know,” a quirky Mamdani said.

Duwaji and Mamdani’s bond grew stronger through their shared passion for music and art. They got engaged in December 2024 in Dubai, where Duwaji’s family resides, and were married in early 2025 in a quiet civil ceremony at New York City’s clerk’s office.

Born in Damascus, Syria, Duwaji is an award-winning illustrator known for her vibrant, expressive work exploring identity, migration, heritage, and the intimacy of everyday community life. She holds a BFA in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York.

Her illustrations often focus on sisterhood and shared experiences, with her website describing her practice as examining “the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences.” Duwaji has collaborated with leading clients including The New Yorker, The Washington Post, VICE, BBC, Apple, Spotify, Tate Modern, and Cartier. In addition to illustration, she also creates ceramics and pottery as part of her artistic practice.

Duwaji had mostly stayed out of the public eye since Mamdani launched his campaign in October, but drew attention in May after The Post highlighted the couple’s intimate yet lavish engagement celebration in Dubai. Following his stunning victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani took a moment to publicly acknowledge his wife.

“I have to thank my incredible wife,” he said, met with applause from the crowd. “Rama, thank you,” he added warmly, kissing her hand.