Social media users have been left shocked after learning the ages of New York City's newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and his wife, Rama Duwaji.
Mamdani, who was elected as New York City’s next mayor in a stunning victory against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, is breaking barriers on multiple fronts.
At just 34 years old, he becomes the youngest leader of New York City in over a century, and his rise to power is sending ripples through political circles.
Zohran Mamdani is the city's youngest-ever mayor. Credit: Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty
During his victory speech, the young mayor attributed his success to his progressive values and his youth.
"The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate," he told a crowd of supporters. "I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this."
His unapologetic stance has certainly resonated with voters, as he promised to "wake up each morning with a singular purpose" to make the city better for all New Yorkers.
"New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change," he declared.
Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji after it was confirmed that he was elected as the mayor of NYC. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty
Youthful Leadership Surprises Many
While his agenda, which includes tax increases on millionaires and expanded social programs, has gained widespread support, some have been taken aback by Mamdani's youth.
The city's new mayor, who also made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City, has surprised many by being only 34 years old.
His wife, Rama Duwaji, who is just 28, has also made history as the first Gen Z First Lady of New York City. The couple married earlier this year in a City Hall ceremony, after meeting on the dating app Hinge.
The age gap between Mamdani and many of his fellow politicians has sparked a wave of reactions on social media.
"Oh wow MAMDANI’s only 34??? Period!" one user posted. Another said: "Mamdani's wife is literally my age. It’s so over." A third remarked, "Gotta be honest lowk feeling bad that Mamdani's only 2 years older than me and now has the keys to the greatest city."
A Fiery Challenge to Donald Trump
Mamdani’s win also drew strong reactions from President Donald Trump, who criticized the mayor-elect's post-election speech as “angry toward me” and “very dangerous," according to The Independent.
In his victory remarks, Mamdani directly addressed the 79-year-old, saying: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.
"And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power," he added, per NBC News.
He further challenged the president with a bold message: “So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
In response, the president told Fox News that Mamdani’s statements were a "dangerous" challenge, and he vowed to contribute only the "very minimum" of federal funds to New York City if Mamdani took office.
However, Mamdani made it clear that while he would not shy away from criticizing the leader, he would also keep the "door open" for discussions, especially on issues like affordable housing and reducing the cost of living, BBC News reported.
Mamdani held a news conference the day after being elected mayor of NYC. Credit: Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty
Despite the polarizing politics surrounding his campaign, Mamdani remains focused on his signature promises.
As he prepares for his inauguration in January 2026, the young mayor has already begun assembling his transition team, including notable figures like Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, and Elana Leopold, who served under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.