Rama Duwaji, the illustrator wife of New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, has recently come under the spotlight for her political expressions depicted in her artwork and social media activity. Duwaji's art, which addresses topics such as “Israeli war crimes” and the plight of Palestinians, has sparked discussions as she prepares to assume the role of New York City's First Lady on January 1, 2026.
An animation that Mamdani shared last year, portraying a stack of US currency labeled “Israeli war crimes,” accompanied by Mamdani's caption criticizing New York charities for funding such offenses, has been a focal point of the scrutiny. Duwaji’s own work often features Palestinian families amidst airstrikes, and she has been vocal in her stance that “Presidents come and go, but American imperialism never changes,” pondering the ongoing suffering of Palestinians regardless of the US administration.
"Presidents come and go, but American imperialism never changes." - Rama Duwaji
More recently, Duwaji expressed her sorrow over the death of Palestinian influencer Saleh Al-Jafarawi, who was killed by an anti-Hamas militia. Al-Jafarawi was reportedly seen in videos celebrating Hamas attacks, which has added complexity to the reactions toward Duwaji's post.
Born in Houston, Texas, Duwaji identifies with her Syrian heritage and spent her formative years in Dubai. She studied at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, which included time at its campus in Doha, Qatar. In 2021, she moved to New York and soon after met Mamdani through the dating app Hinge. Their relationship progressed rapidly, resulting in an engagement announced in October 2024 and a marriage earlier this year, followed by a lavish celebration in Dubai.
Duwaji boasts over a million followers on Instagram, where she has cultivated an image that resonates with many fans—portrayed as aloof yet enthralling. During Mamdani's victory celebration at Brooklyn’s Paramount Theater, she stood out with her distinctive style, echoing the allure of classic Hollywood.
Mamdani, who emerged victorious in his mayoral campaign against Republican Curtis Sliwa and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, has been clear about his progressive agenda. His promises include freezing rent for stabilized tenants, making city buses fare-free, and establishing city-run grocery stores to lower food costs. Despite criticism from Republicans and moderate Democrats, Mamdani's grassroots strategy ultimately led to his electoral success.
As Duwaji prepares for her new public role, her outspoken views and significant social media influence are drawing both criticism and support. Some worry that her past artwork may incite controversy, while others applaud her as a fearless advocate for social justice. The conversation around her political and artistic expressions highlights the evolving role of political figures and their spouses in today's media landscape.
