Newsletters
Zohran Mamdani took a major step toward becoming New York’s first Muslim mayor by declaring victory in Tuesday night’s Democratic primary, though the final results may take several days to be confirmed.
At just 33 years old, democratic socialist Mamdani pulled off a stunning upset in the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating seasoned politician and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani's victory was fueled not by star power or establishment endorsements, but by a genuine connection with everyday New Yorkers and grassroots energy.
A notably relatable part of Mamdani’s story is his connection with his wife, Syrian American illustrator Rama Duwaji, whom he met on the dating app Hinge.
The couple married earlier this year in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s Office, following a private engagement and a Nikkah ceremony in Dubai in late 2024.
Their journey—from a modern meet-cute to public office—has become part of Mamdani’s authentic appeal.
Mamdani’s win was anchored in progressive Brooklyn neighborhoods like Fort Greene and Brooklyn Heights but extended far beyond, drawing unexpected support from Black and Hispanic voters, communities that rarely back democratic socialists.
Despite millions spent on attack ads and scorn from establishment figures, Mamdani’s message resonated deeply.
In a crowded field of candidates trying to seem relatable, Mamdani didn’t need to act the part—he lived it.
With immigrant roots, a millennial perspective, and a grounded personal life, Mamdani’s “incredibly normal” story resonated with voters hungry for sincerity over political theater.
His proposals—like free public buses and city-run grocery stores—were mocked by critics as unrealistic.
But for many voters, they represented long-overdue reforms. His authenticity, amplified through social media and grassroots organizing, especially resonated in Astoria, Queens, where voters saw him not just as a politician but as one of their own.
Mamdani didn’t shy away from contentious issues. Shortly after taking office, he unveiled a bold plan to support LGBTQ New Yorkers, vowing to hold medical institutions accountable for denying care to trans youth and working with state officials to enforce equitable healthcare access.
On global matters, Mamdani was just as outspoken. He called for an end to U.S. military support for Israel’s far-right Netanyahu government, condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while affirming that criticism of Israeli policy is not antisemitism—it’s a defense of human rights.
Rama Duwaji is more than Mamdani’s partner—she’s a creative force in her own right. A 27-year-old Syrian American animator and illustrator based in Brooklyn, her work explores themes of Arab identity, sisterhood, and political resistance.
Her illustrations—often pro-Palestinian—have appeared on the BBC, The Washington Post, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern.
With nearly 92,000 Instagram followers, she uses her platform for both art and advocacy, frequently amplifying messages aligned with Mamdani’s politics.
1 min read
2 min read
