RALEIGH, N.C. — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has confirmed a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, Matthew Ammel, which reportedly began while she was in office. Sinema's acknowledgment comes as she faces a lawsuit from Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who claims that Sinema's actions contributed to the end of their marriage.
The litigation has been filed in a North Carolina federal court, and Heather Ammel is seeking financial damages from Sinema, asserting that her marriage with Matthew was characterized by genuine love and affection before Sinema allegedly interfered. According to the lawsuit, the Ammels separated in November 2024 after Sinema's involvement.
In a declaration submitted to the court, Sinema described her relationship with Matthew Ammel as "romantic and intimate" beginning in late May 2024, further detailing their physical intimacy over the following months across various states, including California and New York.
North Carolina's unique laws permit separated spouses to sue third parties for "alienation of affection," allowing Heather Ammel to take legal action against Sinema. Heather Ammel claims that Sinema had knowledge of her husband's presence in North Carolina when she allegedly sent various communications to him while he was with his wife and children.
Attorney Steven Epstein, representing Sinema, argued that her interaction with Matthew occurred only after his marriage was effectively over. He contended that the context of the communication indicates it could not have contributed to the dissolution of marital affection.
Additionally, it’s reported that Sinema hired Matthew Ammel as part of her security team after he retired from the military in 2022. The lawsuit reveals that Heather Ammel discovered romantic exchanges on the Signal messaging app that raised suspicions about her husband's fidelity. She alleges that following the messages, Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring and began working more closely with Sinema.
Initially filed in September in state court, the lawsuit was transferred to federal court in January. Sinema has opted not to seek reelection for the Senate in 2024 after her term concluded, during which she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She is currently employed with a legal and lobbying firm based in Washington.
