Who is Zohran Mamdani's wife? How did he meet her?

He’s the youngest New York City mayor in a century, the first Muslim, and the first Indian American to hold the office. But among his many firsts, there’s one that feels distinctly modern and Mamdani-coded: he is also the first New York City mayor to have met his wife on Hinge.

Mamdani’s success feels personal for many New Yorkers who see him as a symbol of hope, a grassroots candidate who rose to prominence through authenticity and relentless energy. His campaign style has attracted a devoted following, but quietly behind that energy stands Brooklyn-based artist Rama Duwaji , who has supported him right from the beginning when not many stood beside him.

The New York State assemblyman first shared the story of how he met his wife on The Bulwark podcast this past summer, using it to make a larger point: “There is still hope in those dating apps.” His remark sparked curiosity among supporters and critics alike, especially given his reputation for connecting with a younger, online-savvy electorate.

From making press stops at late-night clubs to appearing at the New York City Marathon, Mamdani’s campaign has mirrored the life of a millennial candidate in every way possible. And what’s more millennial than meeting your life partner on an app? His big Hinge reveal suggested that even a future mayor once agonized over which six photos to upload, and endured the same “how was your Tuesday” small talk that defines the modern dating scene. Maybe it made him a pro at small talk.

Since their first app-assisted meet-cute, Zohran and Rama, 27, have shared quite a story. After dating for a while Mamdani was sure. His friend, who also photographed their wedding, recalled that Zohran had declared to her that he was gonna marry Rama. She wrote in her post, "A few years ago, Zohran and I went for a run to catch up after spending a few weeks apart. About a mile in, Zohran told me “I think I’m gonna marry this woman,” and I knew he really meant it."

Mamdani stayed rue to his words and he married Rama in late 2024 in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s Office, a day he described endearingly to Interview Magazine: “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.”

Initially, Duwaji continued her art quietly during the early campaign months, but as Mamdani’s popularity grew, some critics questioned why she remained absent from public appearances. Responding to that scrutiny, Mamdani shared black-and-white photos from their courthouse wedding, writing in an Instagram post:

“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. You can critique my views, but not my family.”

The couple’s ceremony in New York was followed by a wedding celebration in Uganda, where Mamdani was born. Friends from New York joined them for the intimate event, with one rule in place: no phones.

Throughout the campaign, Rama has kept a low and independent profile. Her social media focuses largely on her artwork, and she hasn’t taken on the traditional role of a political spouse . However, when she voted during the primary election in June, she did post a tender slideshow dedicated to her husband, a small but heartfelt nod of support.

Now living in Astoria near Steinway Street, a lively stretch known for its Arab restaurants and hookah lounges, the couple has found a quieter rhythm amid the political whirlwind. Rama Duwaji and Zohran Mamdani embody a modern kind of partnership, one where neither has to upend their life or career to support the other, yet both remain deeply committed to each other’s worlds.