By Trendsetter Tribune 
Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a lawsuit accusing her of “alienation of affection,” alleging she interfered in a former aide’s marriage, leading to divorce and legal damages.
Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) is facing a legal challenge from the ex-wife of a former congressional aide who alleges that Sinema intentionally interfered in her marriage. The lawsuit, filed in Moore County, North Carolina, claims the actions caused the breakdown of a 14-year marriage and seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.
Allegations Against Sinema
Heather Ammel, the plaintiff, asserts that Sinema seduced her former husband, Matthew Ammel, who served as part of Sinema’s security detail starting in April 2022 and later joined her Senate staff as a defense and national security fellow.
The complaint includes claims that Sinema allegedly asked Matthew Ammel to bring MDMA, also known as ecstasy, on a work trip and communicated about sexual matters. Heather Ammel contends that these interactions “exceeded the bounds of a normal working relationship” and were of a “romantic and lascivious nature.”
Impact on the Marriage
According to the lawsuit, Matthew Ammel admitted to his wife that Sinema had been physically affectionate in public, including holding hands and other touching at events. Heather Ammel alleges that Sinema purchased gifts for her husband, arranged psychedelic therapy, and later offered him a salaried position on her staff, all of which contributed to the end of the couple’s marriage.
Heather Ammel also claims that Matthew Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring to avoid public scrutiny while interacting with Sinema at concerts and other events. The complaint states that her husband eventually filed for divorce, ending a marriage in which the couple had three children together.
Legal Basis and Damages
The lawsuit seeks to hold Sinema liable under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, which allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally interfering in a marriage. The plaintiff claims damages exceeding $25,000 and is requesting punitive damages and reimbursement for attorney’s fees. Heather Ammel has also requested a trial by jury.
Response and Next Steps
The Hill reached out to Sinema’s office at Hogan Lovells, where the former senator currently works, seeking comment. As of now, no response has been issued publicly.
The case highlights a rarely used legal claim and places Sinema at the center of a high-profile personal lawsuit, following her departure from the Senate and ongoing public attention regarding her professional and personal activities.