Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race is historic not only for the city but also for his own household.
On November 4, 34-year-old Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York State assemblymember, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to become New York City’s mayor. His victory carries multiple milestones:
he is the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first mayor of South Asian descent, and the first mayor born in Africa. Born in Uganda and raised in New York, Mamdani became a U.S. citizen in 2018. In his victory speech, he told supporters:
“Let the words we’ve spoken together, the dreams we’ve dreamt together, become the agenda we deliver together. New York, this power, it’s yours. This city belongs to you. Thank you.”
A Gen Z First Lady
Alongside Mamdani’s historic win, his wife, 28-year-old Syrian-American illustrator and animator Rama Duwaji, has made history as New York City’s first Gen Z First Lady. Born in 1997, Duwaji represents a new generation stepping into prominent political roles, signaling a fresh, youthful wave of leadership for the city.
Social media erupted with excitement over the milestone. One user wrote: “If Mamdani wins, his wife Rama would become the first Gen Z NYC First Lady. That’s history!” Others chimed in: “The new First Lady of NYC, Rama Duwaji, ladies and gentlemen” and “First-ever Gen Z First Lady of NY!”
Artist, Advocate, Partner
Mamdani and Duwaji met on the dating app Hinge and married earlier this year in a City Hall ceremony. Mamdani shared on Instagram:
“Rama isn’t just my wife; she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.”
Duwaji holds a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and London’s Tate Modern. Through her platform of over 265,000 Instagram followers, she frequently spotlights social issues, including pro-Palestinian artwork addressing displacement, violence, and systemic injustice.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Duwaji played a key role in Mamdani’s campaign by advising on branding, combining creativity with strategy—a behind-the-scenes influence that underscores her impact without conforming to traditional “First Lady” expectations.
A New Era for NYC
Together, Mamdani and Duwaji embody a bold, diverse, and progressive vision for New York City. Their partnership reflects a modern take on civic leadership—one that is inclusive, creative, and socially engaged.
Conclusion
Rama Duwaji’s emergence as NYC’s first Gen Z First Lady is more than symbolic; it represents a generational shift in politics, highlighting the rising influence of young leaders and advocates. Her artistry, advocacy, and civic engagement show that the role of First Lady can extend far beyond ceremony. Together with Mamdani, Duwaji is helping redefine leadership in New York City: youthful, diverse, and unapologetically committed to progress.