Former Senator Sinema Faces ‘Homewrecker’ Lawsuit

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is involved in a legal case under North Carolina’s ‘homewrecker’ law. The law allows lawsuits against individuals accused of causing a marriage to end through an affair. Sinema is accused of having an affair with Matthew Ammel, part of her security detail, and allegedly impacting his marriage.

The case hinges on North Carolina’s recognition of alienation-of-affection claims. These claims permit spouses to seek compensation from third parties believed to have caused marriage breakdowns.

Judge Denies Dismissal Motion

U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon rejected Sinema’s motion to dismiss, stating that she knew Ammel lived in North Carolina with his wife, Heather Ammel, and their three children. The judge referenced nine messages sent by Sinema to Ammel in North Carolina, supporting the validity of Heather Ammel’s lawsuit.

Heather Ammel’s lawsuit alleges that Sinema’s actions disrupted a ‘good and loving marriage.’ Sinema acknowledged her relationship with Ammel but argued against the lawsuit due to a lack of connection to North Carolina.

Details of the Affair

The lawsuit claims that Ammel joined Sinema’s security team after retiring from the U.S. Army in 2022. Heather Ammel stated that Ammel traveled with Sinema extensively and eventually stopped wearing his wedding ring. In her deposition, Sinema mentioned her romantic encounters with Ammel in states like New York, Arizona, and Colorado.

Legal Proceedings Continue

The Ammels separated in late 2024, and their divorce concluded in March 2026. Communications between Sinema and Ammel, highlighted in court documents, suggest an intimate relationship impacting the marriage while Ammel was home or traveling with Sinema.

Sinema’s legal team has not commented publicly on the ongoing case.