Mayor Zohran Mamdani has shared why his wife, Rama Duwaji, will not assume the role of First Lady of New York City.

The politician said Duwaji prefers to focus on her own career as an artist, even though the mayor’s office often hosts art openings and cultural events where she could have taken on many of the traditional responsibilities associated with the role.

Zohran Mamdani Says Wife Wants To Focus On Art

Amid speculation about why Mamdani’s wife has taken a less public approach despite being married to the New York City mayor, the politician offered an explanation during a wide-ranging interview for NY1’s “Out of Office with the Mayor” series.

The topic came up when Mamdani was asked what public role his wife would play and whether she would become involved in art openings linked to the mayor’s office, given her career as an artist.

“I think her focus at this time is on being an artist herself,” the mayor said. “And it’s something that I really appreciate because I think she, while I’m so proud to call her my wife and the love of my life, she’s also an incredible independent woman who creates art, commissions art, and deserves to be known in her own right as well.”

Rama Duwaji Drew Attention Over Old Instagram Likes

Despite choosing not to take on a prominent public role, Mamdani’s wife has nevertheless found herself at the center of several controversies that have prompted questions for the mayor.

The most significant arose after a March report by Jewish Insider alleged that she had liked multiple Instagram posts expressing support for Hamas following the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The assault left nearly 1,200 people dead, including Israeli civilians and foreign nationals, injured thousands more, and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage.

The allegations drew widespread attention, particularly because Mamdani had sought to distance himself from anti-Israel rhetoric throughout his mayoral campaign.

Mayor’s Wife Said She Felt ‘A Lot Of Shame’

Duwaji later addressed the controversy herself during a sit-down interview with Hyperallergic.

Asked how becoming a public figure had changed her life, she admitted she was still adjusting to the increased attention, then reflected on the backlash over her past social media activity.

According to Duwaji, she “felt a lot of shame” when confronted about the posts, adding that being a teenager at the time did not absolve her of responsibility.

“I’ve read and seen a lot of what others have had to say in response, and I understand the hurt I caused and am truly sorry,” she added.

Zohran Mamdani Labels Duwaji A ‘Private Person’

Reporters confronted Mamdani about his wife’s actions during a press conference the same week the report was published. Rather than directly address the allegations, the mayor said his wife is a private person and not an elected official.

“My wife is the love of my life, and she’s also a private person who has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall,” he told reporters with a smile.

“I, however, was elected to represent all eight-and-a-half million people in this city, and I believe that it’s my responsibility, because of that role, to answer any questions about my thoughts and my policies and my decisions,” Mamdani added.

Mayor Also Praises Wife’s ‘Incredible Integrity’

At a subsequent April press conference to discuss his Child Care Action Fund, the mayor was once again pressed about his wife’s actions.

Mamdani again declined to address the controversy directly, instead emphasizing that his wife chose to pursue a career as an artist while he chose to run for mayor and, in doing so, accepted life as a public figure.

He added that he was not surprised by the questions surrounding his wife, acknowledging that public scrutiny comes with holding public office.

The mayor also spoke warmly about her, making clear that he had no intention of criticizing her publicly, regardless of the allegations.

“What I will say, however, is that she is someone of incredible integrity. She’s someone that I am lucky to be able to call my wife and that I am proud of her each and every day,” he said.