On January 2026, former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema found herself at the center of a legal controversy. A federal lawsuit filed in North Carolina claims that Sinema had an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. The lawsuit was filed by Heather Ammel, Matthew’s ex-wife, seeking at least USD 75,000 in damages. Heather alleges that the alleged relationship between her husband and Sinema led to the breakdown of their 14-year marriage.
Here’s everything you need to know about Matthew Ammel, his career, and family.
Who Is Matthew Ammel?
Matthew Ammel is a U.S. Army veteran and former member of Kyrsten Sinema’s security detail. He served in Afghanistan and the Middle East during his military career. After retiring from the Army in 2022, Matthew joined Sinema’s security team and was later appointed as a Defence and National Security Fellow in her Senate office in June 2024.
Legal documents mention that Ammel has struggled with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse related to his military service.
Allegations Made by Heather Ammel
Heather Ammel filed the lawsuit under North Carolina’s alienation of affection laws. This law allows a spouse to sue a third party if they believe the third party intentionally interfered in the marriage.
According to the lawsuit, Heather alleges that Matthew engaged in a romantic and sexual relationship with Kyrsten Sinema while serving as her bodyguard and later as a Senate staffer. The suit claims Sinema encouraged Matthew to bring illegal substances on work trips and guided him through “psychedelic experiences.”
Heather also alleges that Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring while working with Sinema to hide his marital status. She claims that the affair began influencing their marriage in late 2024 and eventually led to Matthew announcing plans to divorce her after he received a salaried position in Sinema’s Senate office.
Marriage and Family Life
Matthew and Heather Ammel married in 2010 and had three children:
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Clara Ammel (born 2011)
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Isla Ammel (born 2013)
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James Ammel (born 2015)
Heather worked primarily as a stay-at-home mother during their marriage. The lawsuit does not publicly reveal the current custody arrangement of the children. Matthew officially filed for divorce in the first week of January 2026.
Current Status
As of January 2026, the lawsuit involving Kyrsten Sinema, Matthew Ammel, and Heather Ammel is ongoing. The case was originally filed in Moore County and later moved to federal court. Both the allegations and the legal proceedings have drawn significant public attention, placing the former Senator and her former bodyguard under scrutiny.