Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema has been sued in North Carolina over claims she had an affair with a security team member.
The civil lawsuit was filed by Heather Ammel, who says Sinema intentionally interfered with her 14-year marriage to Matthew Ammel.
Sinema served one Senate term from 2019 to 2025, first as a Democrat, later as an independent.
She confirmed in 2024 she would not run again.
Matthew Ammel joined Sinema’s security detail in April 2022 after retiring from the US Army.
He later became a paid Senate staffer focused on defense and national security, according to The Hill.
The lawsuit claims Sinema sent him sexually explicit and suggestive messages.
The complaint also alleges Sinema encouraged him to bring MDMA on work trips.
It says she paid for psychedelic treatment and showed public affection at events.
Trips, gifts, and concert tickets were also allegedly provided, including travel to Napa Valley and Las Vegas, as reported by The New York Times.
Heather Ammel says her husband stopped wearing his wedding ring for public optics.
She claims he later admitted to the affair and then filed for divorce.
The suit uses an alienation of affection law recognized in only six states, including North Carolina.
Under that law, a spouse may seek damages from a third party accused of destroying a marriage.
Heather Ammel is seeking more than $25,000, plus punitive damages and legal fees.
Sinema’s attorney has asked to move the case to federal court.
UNILAD contacted Sinema through her employer Hogan Lovells for comment.