Ex-US Senator Admits Romantic Affair with Former Bodyguard While He’s Still Married

Former United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema has confirmed in court documents that she had a romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel while he was still married. The admission comes as she seeks to dismiss a lawsuit filed against her by Ammel’s estranged wife, Heather Ammel, in North Carolina.

The legal dispute, which began in September 2025, centres on allegations that Sinema’s relationship with Matthew Ammel started before he officially separated from his wife. According to court filings, the relationship began in late May 2024, with the first encounter in Sonoma, California. Subsequent meetings reportedly occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., Aspen, and Phoenix.

Sinema’s legal team argues that North Carolina courts should not hear the case because none of the alleged incidents took place within the state. Heather Ammel’s lawsuit also claims that Sinema sent romantic messages to her husband while he was in North Carolina, including a photograph of herself in a towel. Sinema denies sending such a photo and maintains that she was unaware of Ammel’s location at the time.

The case now hinges on whether North Carolina courts have the authority to hear the lawsuit or if it should be dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.

Legal experts say the outcome could set a precedent on how personal relationships intersect with state-level civil claims, particularly when the alleged conduct spans multiple locations across the United States.