Sinema’s Court Filings Reveal Relationship Details Amid Legal Dispute
Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema has disclosed details of her relationship with a former security detail member. This disclosure is part of court filings in a lawsuit alleging ‘alienation of affection,’ filed by her former bodyguard’s ex-wife. Heather Ammel, the plaintiff, claims that Sinema interfered with her 14-year marriage to Matthew Ammel. This suit is based on North Carolina’s unique legal provision that allows a deserted spouse to claim damages from a third party for marital disruption.
According to deposition testimonies and court documents first reported by The Arizona Republic, Sinema admitted that her professional relationship with Matthew Ammel turned romantic and sexual in 2024 while she was a sitting senator. The court documents detail interactions and communications that spanned several states, including California, Arizona, New York, and Washington, D.C.
In January, the Associated Press reported that Heather Ammel is seeking at least $75,000 from Sinema. The case has garnered attention due to Sinema’s significant political standing. Serving as a prominent moderate, Sinema represented Arizona in the Senate from 2019 until early 2025, transitioning from a Democrat to an independent during her tenure.
What the Testimony Revealed
On July 31, deposition testimony and court documents outlined the nature of the relationship between Sinema and Matthew Ammel, revealing that it became romantic and sexual starting in May 2024. Citing Fox News, court records showed that the Ammels separated on November 1, 2024, and their divorce was finalized in March 2026.
Sinema confirmed that the relationship developed into a ‘romantic and intimate’ one, facilitated by frequent communication via phone calls, emails, and encrypted messaging apps during her time in Congress. As reported by The Arizona Republic, a deposition transcript noted Sinema recounting one encounter, stating, ‘We were staying at an Airbnb in Napa, California. We were outside. Matt kissed me. We went inside and had sex.’
Sinema was questioned about messages exchanged with Matthew, including a photo of her wrapped in a towel. She referenced the image as being about sports, mentioning her status as an athlete and explaining the towel picture showed her cupping marks.
The court filings also include Sinema’s acknowledgment of her relationship with Ammel, aware of his marital status, but argue occurrences were outside North Carolina, where the lawsuit is filed. This testimony is anticipated to play a significant role in the court’s decision on the case’s progress.
What Happens Next
A key issue for the court is determining whether North Carolina holds personal jurisdiction over Sinema. Supplemental briefs from both parties were filed on August 12, alongside deposition excerpts and supporting evidence. Sinema has announced plans to present live testimonies to address the jurisdictional challenge.
U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon will examine the filed documents to decide if the lawsuit can continue in North Carolina or if Sinema’s dismissal motion will be approved. Should the judge permit the case to proceed, it would move towards further discovery and potentially trial regarding Heather Ammel’s alienation-of-affection allegations.