Sinema Admits Affair, Seeks Dismissal

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted to a "romantic and intimate" relationship with a married security detail member, Matthew Joseph Ammel, in court filings on March 12, 2024. The admission came in response to a lawsuit filed by Ammel's estranged wife, Heather Ammel, under North Carolina's "homewrecker" law. Sinema is seeking dismissal of the case, arguing that the alleged affair did not occur within North Carolina's jurisdiction.

Sinema stated in sworn documents that she was physically intimate with Matthew Ammel in four states and Washington D.C., but not in North Carolina. She also claimed that 100% of their phone and email communications between early 2023 and November 1, 2024, occurred when Ammel was outside North Carolina and primarily related to his work. Sinema maintained she was unaware of Ammel's North Carolina residency until December 2023.

The lawsuit alleges Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married and that she paid for psychedelic treatment for him. Sinema denies sending a photo of herself "wrapped in a towel" or suggesting Ammel bring MDMA on a work trip. Federal Election Commission (FEC) documents cited by Notus show Ammel received nearly $9,000 from Sinema's former campaign committee in October, alongside other unusual expenditures. North Carolina is one of few states allowing lawsuits for alienation of affection.