Zohran Mamdani has become a local celebrity in New York City. While he successfully ran for mayor this year, he remained focused on his promises to New Yorkers: addressing the affordability crisis, for starters. And by his side throughout the entire journey has been his wife, the Syrian artist. Duwaji Branchwhom he married in early 2025.
Below, learn more about Zohran and Rama’s relationship.
Zohran and Rama met at the hinge
Zohran and Rama have a modern love story: They met on the dating app Hinge, which the politician gave credence to during a previous interview on “The Bulwark” podcast by noting that “there’s still hope on those dating apps.”
Rama is an illustrator and animator
As seen in it instagram page, Rama is a skilled and dedicated artist. He regularly shares his work on social media and has been featured in multiple publications, including The New Yorker.
Rama and Zohran got married in 2025
In early 2025, Zohran and Rama were married in the New York City Clerk’s office. They kept their votes secret while Zohran sought the mayoral candidacy. while talking to Interview magazine Of the civil ceremony, Zohran said of the clerk’s office: “The exterior is so beautiful and reminiscent of a different New York City, and the interior is, in many ways, public property personified. All of these New Yorkers getting married at the same time at different ages and at different times in their lives, it’s very beautiful.”
Zohran calls her the love of his life
Being close to a politician has its disadvantages. As her husband rose to fame, Rama faced online harassment, but Zohran wasn’t having any of it. In May 2025 instagram On the carousel, she shared photos of her and Rama’s wedding and defended her from “right-wing trolls.”
“If you look at Twitter today, or any day, you know how cruel politics can be,” Zohran acknowledged. “I usually dismiss it, whether it’s death threats or calls to deport me. But it’s different when it comes to those you love. Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, in the City Clerk’s office. Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race, which should be about you, about her. Rama is not just my wife, she is an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can criticize my views, but not my family.”
