Who is Zohran Mamdani’s wife? Meet Rama Duwaji, the artist behind NYC’s mayor

As Zohran Mamdani made history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor, much of the spotlight has now turned towards the woman who quietly shaped the image of his winning campaign — his wife, Rama Duwaji.

While Mamdani was constantly visible during the high-energy race — appearing at rallies, neighbourhood events, and even marathons — Duwaji preferred to remain out of sight. Yet, her artistic touch was everywhere. According to reports, she not only helped craft her husband’s viral social media presence but also designed the campaign’s bold logo and visual identity.

A creative force with global roots

Born in Houston, Texas, to a Syrian family, Duwaji spent much of her childhood in Dubai before pursuing her artistic education across continents. She studied at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar and later transferred to the university’s Richmond campus in Virginia. Eventually, she completed her master’s degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York — the city she now calls home.

At 28, Duwaji has built an impressive portfolio. Her artwork, often exploring themes of identity and the experiences of Middle Eastern women, has been featured by The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Vogue, and Tate Modern. Her vibrant style — often marked by warm tones and introspective narratives — has won her a growing following on social media.

From the studio to the campaign trail

Known on Instagram as @ramaduwaji, she has more than 230,000 followers, a number that soared during her husband’s mayoral campaign. Despite her growing popularity, she has largely kept her focus on her art rather than politics.

However, her creative instincts played a crucial role in shaping Mamdani’s campaign identity. As reported by CNN, she was the one who chose the striking colours — yellow, orange, and pink — that became symbolic of his movement and helped his message stand out in a crowded political landscape.

Though she avoided the limelight, Rama Duwaji’s influence is unmistakable. In her own understated way, she helped craft not just the visual look of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign but also the story of a new kind of leadership now rising in New York City.