Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged a romantic and sexual relationship with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, in sworn court testimony, according to federal filings tied to an alienation-of-affection lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel.
In a July 31 deposition, Sinema described the relationship as beginning in May 2024 while she was still serving in the U.S. Senate. The filings detail encounters in multiple states, including California, New York, Washington, D.C., and Colorado, with specific locations and dates cited in the testimony.
Core Facts of the Legal Dispute
Heather Ammel’s lawsuit alleges that Sinema’s relationship with her ex-husband, Matthew Ammel, contributed to the breakup of their 14-year marriage. The lawsuit was filed under North Carolina’s alienation-of-affection law, which allows a deserted spouse to seek damages from a third party for alleged interference in a marital relationship.
Sinema’s testimony confirms the relationship began in late May 2024 during a trip to Napa, California, where she stated under oath that she and Ammel had their first sexual encounter. Additional encounters were described in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Aspen, Colorado, according to the deposition transcript.
Legal Proceedings and Jurisdictional Dispute
Sinema’s legal team has moved the case to federal court and sought dismissal, arguing that the relationship occurred primarily outside North Carolina and that the federal court lacked personal jurisdiction over her. In court filings, Sinema’s attorneys contended that the alienation-of-affection law did not apply because the alleged actions did not take place in North Carolina until after the Ammels’ separation.
Heather Ammel’s lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages, according to reporting by The Associated Press. The case has drawn attention due to Sinema’s high political profile; she served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona from 2019 until early 2025, first as a Democrat and later as an independent.
Timeline of Alleged Encounters
Court documents outline the following alleged encounters between Sinema and Matthew Ammel, as described in Sinema’s deposition:
- Late May 2024 (Napa, California): Sinema stated that while staying at an Airbnb, Ammel kissed her outside, and they then went inside and had sex. She described this as their first sexual encounter.
- June 2024 (New York City): Sinema attended a wedding and shared a hotel room with Ammel, where they were "intimate."
- Mid-July 2024 (Washington, D.C.): Sinema and Ammel had sex at her Washington, D.C., apartment after arriving on a red-eye flight from the West Coast.
- Mid-August 2024 (Aspen, Colorado): During a fundraising trip, Sinema and Ammel had sex again.
- Late September 2024 (Washington, D.C.): Sinema could not recall a specific encounter, though Ammel confirmed it in his own deposition.
The Ammels separated on November 1, 2024, and their divorce was finalized in March 2026, according to court records.
Legal Maneuvering and Counterclaims
Sinema’s legal team has pursued additional avenues in the case. In June, her attorney, Steven Epstein, subpoenaed documents from Heather Ammel’s therapist, seeking session dates, notes, intake forms, invoices, and communications from 2024. Heather Ammel’s attorney, Thomas Van Camp, opposed the subpoena, arguing it was an attempt to harass his client.
Sinema’s attorneys have also cited the lack of North Carolina ties in their arguments, stating that the relationship did not occur in the state until after the separation. Heather Ammel’s legal team disputes this, asserting that the alienation-of-affection law applies regardless of where the relationship began.
Reactions and Broader Context
The case has generated significant public and media attention due to Sinema’s political career and the nature of the allegations. Sinema, who has not publicly commented beyond the court filings, remains a prominent figure in Arizona politics following her departure from the Senate.
Heather Ammel’s lawsuit represents one of the few instances in which a spouse has pursued legal action under North Carolina’s alienation-of-affection statute, which is rarely used in modern legal disputes. The law allows for damages to be sought from a third party accused of contributing to the breakdown of a marriage.
Ongoing Status of the Case
As of the latest filings, the case remains in federal court, with both sides engaged in legal arguments over jurisdiction and the applicability of the alienation-of-affection law. No trial date has been set. Attorneys for both parties have been contacted for comment but have not provided additional statements beyond the court documents.