Zohran Mamdani’s victory within the New York Metropolis mayoral race this week is being rightly celebrated as a triumph for progressives, immigrants, and Muslims throughout the nation, and a pointy rebuke of American conservatism. Between his grassroots marketing campaign, no-brainer manifesto, and community-driven stance, he’s been a beacon of hope for the left, but he gained a majority vote. However to single straight ladies—together with these outdoors of America—it’s not simply political hope that Mamdani represents.
When Mamdani and his spouse Rama Duwaji transfer into Gracie Mansion, they are going to change into the highest-profile (and presumably the one) couple in public workplace to have met on a relationship app. Mamdani, now 34, and Duwaji, a 28-year-old artist and illustrator, swiped proper on Hinge in 2021 and married earlier this 12 months. Collectively, they make up a extremely enviable, decidedly modern-day energy couple—and a hopeful instance to counter the prevailing temper of “heteropessimism” and widespread negativity about the opportunity of discovering love.
At 34, Mamdani is the youngest mayor of New York in over a century, and the primary Muslim particular person ever to take the workplace. His relationship with Duwaji has featured prominently in his marketing campaign, affirming him as a contemporary man who will get it—not simply the existential struggles that persons are grappling with, like learn how to pay for lease or childcare on stagnant or non-existent salaries, but in addition the quieter ones, like learn how to keep optimistic whereas navigating the relationship hellscape. “There may be nonetheless hope in these relationship apps,” Mamdani joked on The Bulwark Podcast earlier this 12 months.
It’s not simply that he discovered love and a long-lasting relationship on Hinge. It’s that Mamdani represents the sort of man many people want to discover there ourselves—and had maybe began to surrender on. He’s principled, passionate, relaxed with himself, and a seemingly devoted companion. When trolls got here for Duwaji throughout his marketing campaign, Mamdani got here to her defence on Instagram: “Rama isn’t simply my spouse, she’s an unbelievable artist who deserves to be identified on her personal phrases… You possibly can critique my views however not my household.” And after being requested whether or not he was “extra of a Carrie Bradshaw or a Hannah Horvath,” Mamdani responded: “I’m a Miranda.” (In all probability the one you’d be finest off marrying, And Simply Like That however.)
Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji throughout an election night time occasion on the Brooklyn Paramount Theater within the Brooklyn on Tuesday.Photograph: Getty Photos
