Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a lawsuit accusing her of having an affair with a member of her security team, leading to the breakdown of a marriage.
The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina by Heather Ammel, alleges that Sinema intentionally interfered with Heather’s 14-year marriage to Matthew Ammel. The allegations accuse Sinema of damaging the marriage through inappropriate behavior and communications.
Sinema served as a US Senator from Arizona from 2019 to 2025. Initially elected as a Democrat, she later became an independent and announced in 2024 that she would not run for re-election.
Mr. Ammel joined Sinema’s security team in April 2022 after retiring from the US Army, where he had served on multiple overseas missions.
He later transitioned to a salaried role on her Senate staff as a defense and national security fellow, according to the complaint reported by The Hill.
The lawsuit claims that Sinema sent explicit and suggestive messages to Mr. Ammel, contributing to the turmoil in Heather’s marriage.
In one unusual text exchange, Mr. Ammel suggested engaging in missionary sex with the lights on, to which Sinema replied: “Boring!”
The complaint also alleges that Sinema encouraged Mr. Ammel to bring MDMA on work trips for guided psychedelic experiences. It further claims she funded psychedelic treatment for him, according to the New York Times.
The suit describes instances of Sinema being physically affectionate with Mr. Ammel at public events, gifting him presents and concert tickets, and taking him on trips to destinations like Napa Valley and Las Vegas.
Heather, who has three children with her former husband, states that Mr. Ammel eventually stopped wearing his wedding ring due to ‘public optics’ and admitted to having an affair before filing for divorce.
The lawsuit is based on an ‘alienation of affection’ claim, recognized in only a few US states, including North Carolina.
This legal provision allows a spouse to seek damages from an individual accused of undermining a marriage.
To succeed, the plaintiff must demonstrate that a ‘loving marital relationship’ existed prior to the interference by the third party, as explained by Ward Family Law Group.
Proof is also required to show that the third party’s actions were ‘willful and malicious,’ resulting in the destruction of ‘affection and emotional connection’ between the spouses.
Mrs. Ammel is seeking over $25,000 in damages, along with punitive damages and legal fees.
Recently, Sinema’s attorney requested that the lawsuit be transferred to federal court, as reported by the New York Times.
Sinema was contacted for a comment through her current employer, Hogan Lovells.