Rama Duwaji opens up about first lady role as Zohran Mamdani prepares to take office as NYC mayor

Duwaji shared her views on fame and reaction to Mamdani's win while gracing the cover of The Cut's special issue

Rama Duwaji has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband Zohran Mamdani’s election victory positioned her to become the First Lady of New York City. Mamdani secured his win in November, marking a historic moment in the city’s political landscape.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, became New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, and the first mayor born in Africa.

Duwaji, 28, a Syrian-American illustrator and animator, is set to become the city’s first Gen Z first lady when Mamdani takes office in January. She has largely avoided the spotlight throughout the campaign and declined media interviews until now.

Reflecting on learning about her future role, Duwaji told The Cut, “I felt like I was walking through a fog. My friend came in from D.C. that day, and she got to experience that moment of seeing me — my brain — literally develop. I was like, Okay, I’m locking in.”

 

 

 

 

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She also shared her thoughts on the title itself, saying, “It is surreal to hear. I think there are different ways to be first lady, especially in New York. When I first heard it, it felt so formal and like — not that I didn’t feel deserving of it, but it felt like, Me …? Now I embrace it a bit more and just say, ‘There are different ways to do it.’”

Duwaji added, “At the end of the day, I’m not a politician. I’m here to be a support system for Z and to use the role in the best way that I can as an artist.”

 

 

 

 

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An accomplished illustrator, Duwaji holds a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern in London.

Online interest in Duwaji has grown rapidly, with social media users praising her style and creative work following the election.