Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema Admits to Affair with Married Security Guard in Court Testimony

What Happened?

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (who represented Arizona) recently gave sworn testimony in a federal court case. She admitted to having a sexual relationship with Matthew Ammel, who was her married security guard at the time.

Important Point: This testimony happened during a deposition — a formal question-and-answer session under oath, recorded for use in court.

Who Is Suing Whom?

Heather Ammel (Matthew’s ex-wife) is suing Sinema.
She claims Sinema broke up her 14-year marriage.

• Heather filed the lawsuit in North Carolina under a law called "alienation of affection."
• This law lets a spouse sue a third party they believe destroyed their marriage.
• Sinema’s lawyers moved the case to federal court and tried to get it dismissed.
• They argued the relationship happened outside North Carolina, so the court shouldn’t have authority over Sinema.

What Did Sinema Say Under Oath?

In a July 31, 2024 deposition, Sinema described multiple sexual encounters with Matthew Ammel in 2024. Here’s a timeline:

Timeline of Events (According to Sinema’s Testimony)

1. Memorial Day Weekend 2024 – Napa, California

   • Staying at an Airbnb with friends (Penny & Grant Croissant) and another security detail member.
   • Matt kissed her → they went inside and had sex.

2. June 2024 – New York City

   • Attending CNN anchor Jessica Dean’s wedding.
   • Had separate hotel rooms but were intimate in Sinema’s room.

3. Mid-July 2024 – Washington, D.C.

   • After a red-eye flight from the West Coast.
   • Had sex at Sinema’s D.C. apartment.

4. Mid-August 2024 – Aspen, Colorado

   • On a “fundraising trip.”
   • Had sex again during the trip.

5. Late September 2024 – Washington, D.C.

   • Sinema couldn’t recall this encounter.
   • But Matthew Ammel confirmed it in his own deposition.
6. October 2024 – Phoenix, Arizona
   • Had sex at Sinema’s house in Phoenix.

Important Point: Sinema acknowledged she knew Matthew was married and had three children during all of these encounters.

What About the Text Messages?

During the deposition, lawyers showed Sinema text messages she sent to Matthew.

Example 1: A Photo in a Towel

• Lawyer asked about a photo of Sinema in a towel with cupping marks (round marks from a sports therapy technique).
• Sinema said:
  

  “I’m an endurance athlete. So a photograph of me with cupping marks is about sports.”

  • She didn’t specifically recall sending a towel photo.

Example 2: A Romantic Message

• Sinema texted:
  

  “Putting my hand on your heart. I’ll see you soon. I miss you.”

• Lawyer asked:
  

  “You understand a wife reading this might get concerned?”

• Sinema replied:
  

  “Yes.”

What Did Heather Ammel Say?

Heather also gave a deposition. Here’s what she shared:

• She found out about the affair when Matthew came home “severely intoxicated” while they were staying at her parents’ house.
• She read a message on Matthew’s phone from Sinema:
  

  “I hope your day was okay. Thinking of you. I am with you. I keep waking up during my sleep and reaching over for your arms to hold me.”

• In a June 2024 text to Matthew, Heather called Sinema:
  

  “Insidious” and “a woman who is willing to break up a family.”

• Later, Heather said Matthew is an “established liar and manipulator” and believed he was manipulating both her and Sinema.

What’s the Current Status?

• The Ammels separated on November 1, 2024.
• Their divorce was finalized in March 2026.
• An evidentiary hearing in the case against Sinema is scheduled for August 19 (year not specified in filings, but likely 2026 based on context).

Important Point: This is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case. Heather is seeking money damages, not jail time for Sinema.

Summary

• Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted under oath to a months-long sexual relationship with her married security guard, Matthew Ammel, in 2024.
• The affair happened in multiple states: California, New York, D.C., Colorado, and Arizona.
• Heather Ammel (Matthew’s ex-wife) is suing Sinema under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law.
• Sinema knew Matthew was married with kids.
• Text messages show emotional intimacy between Sinema and Matthew.
• The case is now in federal court, with a hearing set for August 19.

FAQ

What is “alienation of affection”?

It’s a old law (still valid in a few states like North Carolina) that lets a spouse sue someone they believe intentionally destroyed their marriage by stealing their partner’s love.

Is this a criminal case?

No. It’s a civil lawsuit. Heather is asking for money, not criminal charges. Sinema won’t go to jail over this.

Why was the case moved to federal court?

Sinema’s lawyers asked to move it because they argue the federal court has jurisdiction (authority) since the parties are from different states and the events happened across state lines.

Did Matthew Ammel testify too?

Yes. He gave his own deposition and confirmed at least one encounter Sinema couldn’t remember (late September in D.C.).

What happens next?

A judge will hold an evidentiary hearing on August 19 to review evidence and decide if the case should go to trial or be dismissed.