Zohran Mamdani Reveals Marriage, Responds To Attacks On Wife

Photo: Le Marché des Fleurs

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – Zohran Mamdani, the progressive candidate in the New York City mayoral race, publicly shared details about his wife, Syrian artist Rama Duwaji, in an Instagram post on May 12, following online criticism and speculation about his personal life.

Mamdani, who has recently surged to second place in the Democratic primary behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, had previously kept his relationship private, with only a brief mention in Interview Magazine that he had “recently gotten married in a civil ceremony at the clerk’s office.”

The announcement comes as political tensions in the city remain high, particularly over the war in Gaza. In recent days, right-wing social media users accused the candidate of “hiding his wife” and targeted Duwaji for her pro-Palestinian artwork. In response, Mamdani posted wedding photos from the couple’s New York civil ceremony on Instagram, writing:

“If you take a look at Twitter today, or any day for that matter, you know how vicious politics can be. I usually brush it off, whether it’s death threats or calls for me to be deported. But it’s different when it’s about those you love.

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 New York Post reported details of the couple’s December 2024 engagement celebration in Dubai, noting the rooftop venue at Vida Creek Harbour and associated costs. In a statement to the outlet, Mamdani’s campaign clarified: “Before their civil ceremony in New York City, Zohran and his wife celebrated their engagement in Dubai last year — where her family lives — with a small, joyful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones.”

Duwaji, 27, is a Brooklyn-based illustrator whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and VICE. She has also used her art to advocate for Palestinian rights — a position that has drawn criticism from Mamdani’s opponents.

Mamdani, 33, currently serves as a New York State Assemblymember representing Queens and is a prominent voice in the city’s Democratic Socialist movement.

The Democratic mayoral primary will take place on June 25.