Kyrsten Sinema Acknowledges Affair with Former Security Detail

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has admitted to a romantic relationship with Matthew Joseph Ammel, a member of her security detail, while she was still in office. The admission came as part of a legal response to a lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who alleges Sinema interfered with their marriage.

Details of the Relationship and Lawsuit

Heather Ammel’s lawsuit, filed under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, claims that Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married, ultimately leading to the breakdown of their marriage. The Guardian and 12 News reported on the details of the case.

In a declaration filed on March 7, Sinema stated that her relationship with Ammel “became romantic and intimate” in late May 2024 and “physically intimate” over the following months. ABC News detailed that the pair were physically intimate in California, Fresh York, Colorado, Arizona, and Washington, D.C.

Sinema’s Defense

Sinema is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing she has no connection to North Carolina, where the Ammels resided. She claims all communication with Matthew Ammel occurred while he was outside of North Carolina and largely related to his work as part of her Senate security detail. The Washington Post also reported on this aspect of her defense.

Her lawyer, Steven Epstein, further argued that the marriage was already failing when the relationship began, and that any communications with Matthew Ammel occurred after he had already moved out of the family home.

Background on Alienation of Affection Law

North Carolina is one of a small number of states that still recognize the legal concept of “alienation of affection,” allowing a spouse to sue a third party for interfering with their marriage. The lawsuit seeks financial damages from Sinema.

Sinema’s Recent Political Activity

Sinema, who represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate until 2025, left the Democratic Party in 2024 to become an independent and did not seek re-election. She currently works at a law and lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.