Kyrsten Sinema Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Affair with Bodyguard

Mon Mar 16 2026 19:28:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is embroiled in a legal battle initiated by her bodyguard's ex-wife, alleging alienation of affection. The ex-wife claims Sinema's relationship with her husband contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.

Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged a romantic relationship with her bodyguard while contesting a lawsuit filed by the man's ex-wife, who alleges Sinema interfered in their marriage. The lawsuit claims damages for 'alienation of affection,' a legal action recognized in North Carolina. Sinema's legal representatives argue that she should not be held accountable as her relationship began after the Ammels' marital issues. Sinema, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arizona and later switched to independent status, is now facing scrutiny in a federal court.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a lawsuit alleging that her romantic relationship with a member of her security detail contributed to the dissolution of his marriage. The man’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, is seeking financial damages in a North Carolina federal court.

In legal documents, Sinema acknowledges the relationship began in May 2024 and became physically intimate in various locations including California and New York. The couple, Matthew and Heather Ammel, reportedly separated in November 2024.

North Carolina’s law permits jilted spouses to sue for “alienation of affection,” allowing them to seek damages from third parties accused of causing the marital breakdown. Heather claims her husband was pursued by Sinema knowing he was married, thus interfering in their “good and loving marriage.”

Sinema's legal filing disputes these allegations, asserting her communications took place after the Ammels' marital issues had already begun. She denies any wrongdoing that would connect her to North Carolina meaningfully.

Heather Ammel's lawsuit also outlines that Sinema employed Matthew Ammel on her Senate staff while he was serving as her bodyguard and that he stopped wearing his wedding ring during their relationship.

This lawsuit highlights the complexities of modern relationships intertwined with public service, raising questions about accountability and the impact of personal relationships on professional conduct.

Sinema, who did not seek re-election in 2024 and left the Democratic Party to become an independent, is now working at a legal and lobbying firm in Washington.