Former US Senator Admits Romantic Relationship with Security Detail Member
Former United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema has formally acknowledged a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, which commenced while she was still serving as a lawmaker. This significant admission emerges within the context of an ongoing federal lawsuit filed in North Carolina by Heather Ammel, the former wife of the security guard, Matthew Ammel.
Lawsuit Alleges Marriage Breakdown Due to Sinema's Actions
Heather Ammel's litigation contends that she and her husband shared a loving and affectionate marriage before Senator Sinema allegedly interfered. The lawsuit asserts that Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite being aware of his marital status, ultimately leading to the dissolution of their union. In her legal filing, Heather Ammel describes discovering messages of a romantic and lascivious nature exchanged between Sinema and her husband on the encrypted Signal application in early 2024.
Further allegations include that Matthew Ammel ceased wearing his wedding ring during the summer of that year and was subsequently given a position on Sinema's Senate staff while continuing his duties as her personal bodyguard. The couple officially separated in November 2024, according to the court documents.
Sinema's Legal Declaration and Defense Strategy
In a signed declaration submitted this week as part of her legal response, Sinema stated that her relationship with Matthew Ammel became romantic and intimate at the end of May 2024. She detailed that it progressed to a physically intimate nature over the following months, with encounters occurring across multiple states including California, New York, Colorado, Arizona, and Washington, D.C.
However, Sinema's legal team is vigorously seeking dismissal of the lawsuit. Her attorney, Steven Epstein, argues that the Ammel marriage was already over when Sinema's relationship with Matthew intensified. Epstein contends that Sinema's conduct is not meaningfully connected to North Carolina and that no reasonable jury would believe a single message from her could destroy marital love and affection.
Legal Context of Alienation of Affection Claims
This case unfolds within the unique legal framework of North Carolina, one of the few remaining US states that permits alienation of affection lawsuits. This archaic tort allows aggrieved spouses to seek financial damages from third parties they believe are responsible for the breakdown of their marriage. Heather Ammel is pursuing such damages, blaming Sinema for the collapse of her marital relationship.
Kyrsten Sinema, who represented Arizona in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate before concluding her term early last year, chose not to seek re-election in 2024. She had previously left the Democratic Party to register as an independent senator. Sinema now holds a position with a Washington-based legal and lobbying firm, marking a new chapter in her career amidst this personal legal challenge.
