Washington D.C. – Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has publicly acknowledged a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, Matthew Joseph Ammel, whereas she was still in office. The admission comes as part of a legal defense against a lawsuit filed by Ammel’s wife, Heather Ammel, in North Carolina, alleging alienation of affection. The case hinges on whether Sinema intentionally interfered with the couple’s marriage, and whether the affair occurred within the state’s jurisdiction.
The revelation, detailed in court filings made on March 12, 2026, marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. Sinema’s legal team argues that the affair, while acknowledged, took place in multiple states and Washington D.C., but not North Carolina, and therefore the state’s “alienation of affection” law should not apply. North Carolina is one of a dwindling number of states that still allows lawsuits based on the premise that a third party intentionally disrupted a marital relationship. These cases, often referred to as “homewrecker” suits, can result in substantial financial judgments.
Heather Ammel’s lawsuit claims that Sinema knowingly seduced her husband, causing the breakdown of their marriage. The legal action follows a recent high-profile case in North Carolina where a TikTok influencer was ordered to pay nearly $2 million in damages after an affair with her Durham-based manager, highlighting the potential financial stakes involved in such lawsuits. The case underscores the unique legal landscape in North Carolina regarding marital disputes.
Sinema’s Account of the Relationship
According to court documents, Sinema describes a “romantic and intimate” relationship with Matthew Ammel, who served as a member of her Senate security detail. She states that the relationship began during her final year in office. Sinema maintains she was unaware that Ammel resided in North Carolina with his family until December 2023, more than a year after their relationship reportedly began. She further asserts that the majority of her communications with Ammel – both phone calls and emails – occurred while he was outside of North Carolina and related to his duties as part of her security team, which frequently involved travel.
Sinema’s filing details that physical intimacy between herself and Ammel occurred in four states and Washington D.C., but explicitly denies any such encounters taking place within North Carolina’s borders. This geographical detail is central to her argument that North Carolina law is inapplicable to the case. The former Senator’s legal team is seeking to have the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
The Legal Framework: Alienation of Affection
North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law is a relic of the 19th century, designed to protect the sanctity of marriage. WRAL News reports that the law allows a spouse to sue a third party for damages if they can prove the third party intentionally interfered with their marriage, leading to its dissolution. To succeed in such a lawsuit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant engaged in intentional conduct designed to win the affection of the spouse and that this conduct directly caused the loss of consortium – the benefits of the marital relationship.
The law has faced criticism over the years as being outdated and infringing on individual liberties. Despite these concerns, it remains on the books in North Carolina, along with a handful of other states. The potential for large financial judgments in these cases – as evidenced by the recent $2 million TikTok influencer case – continues to draw attention to the law and its implications.
Recent Precedent in North Carolina
The case brought by Heather Ammel echoes a recent, highly publicized case in North Carolina. In November 2025, a Durham-based TikTok influencer was ordered to pay nearly $2 million after being found liable in an alienation of affection lawsuit. This ruling served as a stark reminder of the potential financial consequences for individuals involved in extramarital affairs within the state. The previous case involved a similar claim of intentional interference with a marital relationship, and the substantial damages awarded underscore the seriousness with which North Carolina courts treat these types of lawsuits.
Sinema’s Political Context and Recent Events
Kyrsten Sinema served as a U.S. Senator for Arizona from 2019 to 2023. She left the Democratic Party in December 2022, registering as an independent. Her political career has been marked by a willingness to buck party lines and forge her own path, often leading to controversy. The Washington Post notes that Sinema was recently heckled at a summit in Utah, with protestors referencing the ongoing lawsuit.
The timing of the lawsuit and the public acknowledgment of the affair come at a potentially sensitive moment for Sinema, as she navigates her post-Senate career. The allegations could impact her public image and future political prospects. The case is likely to attract significant media attention and public scrutiny, further complicating the situation.
Matthew Ammel’s Role and Background
Matthew Joseph Ammel is identified as Sinema’s former bodyguard. He is a resident of Moore County, North Carolina, and was employed as part of her Senate security detail. Details regarding his background and employment history beyond his role with Sinema are currently limited. His involvement in the lawsuit has brought him into the center of a public controversy, and his actions are likely to be closely examined throughout the legal proceedings.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next step in the case is a hearing on Sinema’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit based on jurisdictional grounds. A federal judge will need to determine whether North Carolina law applies, given Sinema’s argument that the affair did not occur within the state. If the judge denies the motion to dismiss, the case will proceed to discovery and potentially a trial. The legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex, with significant implications for all parties involved.
The outcome of the case could have broader implications for the future of alienation of affection lawsuits in North Carolina. A ruling in favor of Heather Ammel could embolden other plaintiffs to pursue similar claims, while a ruling in favor of Sinema could further erode the legal basis for these types of lawsuits. The case is being closely watched by legal experts and observers of North Carolina law.
As of March 13, 2026, no court date has been set for the hearing on Sinema’s motion to dismiss. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses. The legal battle is expected to continue for several months, if not longer, as both sides present their arguments and evidence.
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