Rama Duwaji, the 28-year-old wife of Zohran Mamdani, has broken her silence after making history as New York City's first Gen Z First Lady.
Mamdani, at just 34 years old, secured a stunning victory against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, making him the youngest mayor of New York City in over a century.
His rise to power has shaken the political landscape, signaling a shift toward progressive values and a new generation of leadership.
In his victory speech, the new mayor didn't shy away from embracing the unconventional path that led him to City Hall.
"The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate," he told the crowd.
"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."
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
Introducing Duwaji: NYC's First Gen Z First Lady
In addition to becoming the youngest mayor, Mamdani also made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City.
His 28-year-old wife has also broken barriers of her own, as she is now the first Gen Z First Lady of New York City.
The couple's relationship, which began after meeting on the dating app Hinge, has been closely followed by the media, especially following their wedding in a City Hall ceremony earlier this year.
The Syrian-American artist from Houston was raised in Dubai and later moved to New York to pursue her education.
She studied illustration at Virginia Commonwealth University before earning her master's degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Known for her powerful artwork centered around Middle Eastern women and the Palestinian experience, Duwaji has gained attention for her work, which has been featured in prestigious publications like The New Yorker, Vogue, and The Cut.
Behind the Scenes and Breaking the Silence
Although the artist has largely kept a low profile during the campaign, staying out of traditional campaign appearances and media interviews, she has been an important behind-the-scenes figure, helping shape Mamdani's visual branding.
Her Instagram feed features little about her husband, aside from a heartfelt post celebrating his primary win: "Couldn’t possibly be prouder," she wrote, alongside intimate photos of the couple.
However, Duwaji broke her silence following her husband’s victory on November 6, sharing a drawing of New York City with the iconic text "I <3 NYC" and a caption that read: "So proud to be a part of this city."
A Bold Victory Speech and Reactions from Trump
Mamdani's victory and his strong stance on progressive values have not gone unnoticed, especially by President Donald Trump.
During Mamdani’s post-election speech, he directly challenged 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."
He went on to declare, "And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power...So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
Trump responded by criticizing Mamdani's remarks as "angry toward me" and "very dangerous," according to The Independent.
He also previously said he would contribute only the "very minimum" of federal funds to New York City if the young politician assumed office.
But despite the tension, Mamdani made it clear that he was open to discussions with Trump, especially on important issues like affordable housing and reducing the cost of living.