Former Arizona senator Sinema seeks to dismiss lawsuit over affair with former bodyguard

Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is seeking to have a lawsuit brought by the ex-wife of her former bodyguard dismissed as the legal fight over their affair moves toward a court hearing next week.

Sinema acknowledged having a romantic and sexual relationship with Matthew Ammel, who was married when the relationship began. 

His ex-wife, Heather Ammel, sued Sinema under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, alleging the relationship contributed to the breakup of their 14-year marriage. 

In a recent deposition, Sinema reportedly described multiple sexual encounters with Ammel, including their first encounter at an Airbnb in Napa, California, in May 2024. 

Sinema’s attorneys have argued that the case should be dismissed because the alleged affair did not take place in North Carolina, where the lawsuit was filed. The case is scheduled for an evidentiary hearing on Aug. 19. 

Ammel’s ex-wife is seeking at least $75,000 in damages. Sinema left the Senate in January 2025 after serving one term representing Arizona.