In brief
Kyrsten Sinema, the former U.S. Senator from Arizona, has acknowledged a romantic relationship with a member of her security team, Matthew Ammel, which allegedly contributed to his marriage's dissolution. Heather Ammel is suing Sinema for 'alienation of affection', claiming that the senator's actions inflicted emotional distress and severed their marital bond. Sinema argues the lawsuit should be dismissed, stating her relationship with Matthew did not begin until after their marriage was essentially over. The case is currently pending in federal court in North Carolina.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has confirmed her romantic involvement with her security detail member, Matthew Ammel, which began while she served in Congress. This relationship has resulted in a lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel, Matthew's ex-wife, who blames Sinema for their marriage's collapse.
The legal case, which seeks financial compensation, is underway in a North Carolina federal court. Heather Ammel asserts their marriage was solid before Sinema allegedly pursued her husband, fully aware of his marital status.
In a declaration dated March 7, attached to the recent court filings, Sinema claimed her affair with Matthew turned romantic in late May 2024, progressively evolving into a physical relationship over subsequent months across various states, including California and New York. The Ammels reportedly separated in November 2024.
North Carolina law permits jilted spouses to sue for 'alienation of affection', allowing claims against third parties accused of contributing to the breakdown of their marriage.
Sinema's legal response counters Heather Ammel's claims, asserting that communications allegedly made to her husband were harmless, occurring after he had relocated and when their marriage was effectively over. Sinema's attorney requested the suit be dismissed, arguing that a jury would struggle to link her messages to the marriage's dissolution.
The lawsuit underscores tensions in a case that highlights issues of personal and public life intersecting within the realm of political figures. Since departing from the Senate after one term, Sinema has shifted her political alignment and pursued a new career in lobbying and legal services.
