Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema is involved in a lawsuit concerning her relationship with a former member of her security detail. The case, initiated by Heather Ammel, alleges Sinema’s involvement contributed to the end of Ammel’s 14-year marriage to Matthew Ammel. This lawsuit operates under North Carolina’s rare legal statute allowing a spouse to seek damages from a third party for the breakdown of a marriage.
The Evolution of Sinema’s Relationship
Court filings and deposition testimony, initially reported by The Arizona Republic, confirm that Sinema’s professional connection with Matthew Ammel developed into a romantic and sexual relationship in 2024 while she served in the Senate. Their interactions spanned several states, including California, Arizona, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Heather Ammel is reportedly claiming a minimum of $75,000 from Sinema, according to a January Associated Press report. The case attracts attention due to Sinema’s substantial political prominence. A former Democrat who became an independent, Sinema represented Arizona in the Senate from 2019 until early 2025. She was noted for her centrist stance.
Insights from the Testimony
In deposition testimony dated July 31, Sinema recounted how the relationship with Matthew turned romantic and sexual by May 2024. Documentation referenced by Fox News highlighted that the Ammels separated on November 1, 2024, and finalized their divorce by March 2026.
Sinema admitted their relationship included extensive communication through phone calls, emails, and encrypted messaging apps while she served in Congress. “We were staying at an Airbnb in Napa, California. We were outside. Matt kissed me. We went inside and had sex,” Sinema stated, as reported by The Arizona Republic. She also explained during the deposition that a photo sent to Matthew, which featured her in a towel, pertained to her status as an athlete and depicted cupping marks, not anything indecent.
Despite her awareness of Matthew Ammel’s marriage, Sinema did not contest the relationship’s existence. Her argument hinged on the premise that their interactions occurred outside North Carolina, where the lawsuit is filed.
Anticipated Legal Developments
The court’s next significant decision involves determining North Carolina’s jurisdiction over Sinema. Both parties submitted supplemental briefs on August 12, accompanied by deposition excerpts and supportive evidence. Sinema plans to present live witnesses to challenge the jurisdictional claim.
U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon will scrutinize the recent submissions to decide if the case should progress in North Carolina or if Sinema’s motion for dismissal will succeed. If the judge permits the lawsuit to proceed, the case will advance to further discovery and potentially a trial on Heather Ammel’s claims of alienation of affection.