Phoenix, Arizona — A former U.S. senator from Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, is facing allegations outlined in a lawsuit claiming she was involved in an extramarital affair with a member of her security detail. The lawsuit, filed by Heather Ammel, seeks at least $75,000 for damages, asserting that Sinema’s actions directly contributed to the dissolution of her marriage to Matthew Ammel.
According to the lawsuit, the Ammels enjoyed a loving relationship until Sinema began pursuing Matthew, fully aware of his marital status. The legal documents allege that Sinema’s head of security hired Matthew Ammel after he retired from the Army in 2022. Following his hiring, he reportedly accompanied Sinema on multiple trips, including visits to Napa Valley, Las Vegas, and even Saudi Arabia.
The situation escalated in early 2024 when Heather Ammel discovered a series of “romantic and lascivious” messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema through the Signal messaging app. The lawsuit states that Matthew Ammel ceased wearing his wedding ring that summer, coinciding with Sinema offering him a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office, while he continued to provide security for her campaign.
In addition to these alleged interactions, the lawsuit claims Sinema financed psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has faced challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries from his military service in overseas deployments.
Attempts to reach Sinema and her legal counsel for comments have gone unanswered. The lawsuit, which was initially filed late last year in Moore County, North Carolina, highlights a unique aspect of state law, allowing former spouses to sue for “alienation of affection,” providing a legal route to claim damages from third parties who allegedly disrupt marriages.
Sinema’s political career took a significant turn following the 2024 election. She opted against running for re-election, concluding a contentious single term during which she alienated many in the Democratic Party and ultimately registered as an independent. She is currently employed by the Washington-based legal and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells, where she focuses on areas such as data center development and research funding for psychedelic treatments.
As this legal matter unfolds, it could have considerable implications not just for Sinema personally, but also for her professional future and public perception. The intersection of her political career with personal controversies may attract further scrutiny as the case progresses.