Kyrsten Sinema's Romantic Relationship with Bodyguard Sparks Legal Battle

Mon Mar 16 2026 18:02:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema faces a lawsuit from a security guard's ex-wife, alleging the senator's romance with her husband led to the marriage's downfall.

Kyrsten Sinema, the former senator from Arizona, has admitted to having a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. This revelation comes as a lawsuit from his ex-wife, Heather Ammel, claims Sinema's involvement caused their marriage to end. The legal battle highlights the unique laws in North Carolina that permit such claims. Sinema's defense argues that her actions did not deteriorate the couple's relationship, citing the timing of their separation. This case, which has captured attention due to its political and personal implications, is ongoing as Sinema pursues her new career in Washington.

RALEIGH, N.C. (RTW News) — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, which began while she was in office. This relationship is at the center of a legal dispute as Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, has filed a lawsuit alleging that Sinema's involvement precipitated the couple's divorce.

The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina federal court, seeks financial damages and accuses Sinema of intentionally interfering in a ‘good and loving marriage.’ Heather Ammel claims that Sinema pursued her husband while knowing he was married, which has led to their separation in November 2024.

In a declaration submitted on March 7, Sinema stated that her relationship with Matthew Ammel became intimate around late May 2024. The lawsuit claims that Heather discovered flirtatious messages exchanged on a messaging app and that Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring thereafter. Sinema's legal team contends that any communication they had occurred after Matthews moved out and therefore does not constitute interference.

North Carolina law allows spouses to sue for ‘alienation of affection,’ which adds a thorny legal angle to this case. Sinema's attorney argued that her actions had no meaningful connection to North Carolina, suggesting that a message sent after the marital breakdown could not be linked to the destruction of the marital bond.

The ongoing case has attracted significant media attention, raising questions about the ethical implications for public figures and their personal relationships. Sinema, who left the Democratic Party to become an independent and opted not to run for re-election in 2024, is currently employed at a legal and lobbying firm.