Summary (tl;dr)

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has admitted to an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, and is now seeking to dismiss an "alienation of affection" lawsuit filed against her by Ammel's estranged wife.

Essential Background

Kyrsten Sinema served as a United States Senator for Arizona from 2019 to 2025, initially as a Democrat before changing her affiliation to independent in December 2022. She announced in March 2024 that she would not seek re-election. The current trending news stems from a specific legal action: an "alienation of affection" lawsuit, a legal claim allowed in a few U.S. states, including North Carolina, where one spouse can sue a third party for interfering with their marriage and causing its breakdown.

The Full Story

Kyrsten Sinema is trending after court documents filed on Thursday, March 13, 2026, revealed her admission to a romantic and intimate relationship with Matthew Ammel, a member of her Senate security detail. Sinema stated that the affair began in May 2024, with their first physical intimacy occurring in Sonoma, California, while Ammel was on a security detail. This admission comes as part of Sinema's legal motion to dismiss the "alienation of affection" lawsuit filed by Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel. Sinema's defense argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the alleged affair and all related romantic interactions occurred exclusively outside of North Carolina, where the lawsuit was filed. Heather Ammel's initial complaint alleges that Sinema intentionally seduced her husband, causing emotional pain and the dissolution of their marriage.

Why It Matters

This story is significant due to Kyrsten Sinema's past high-profile role as a U.S. Senator and the unusual nature of the "alienation of affection" lawsuit. The public admission of an affair by a prominent former politician, coupled with the legal battle over jurisdiction, has garnered considerable media and public attention. The case also highlights the complexities and legal nuances of "alienation of affection" laws, which are increasingly rare in the United States.

Geographic Location

• North Carolina, United States (location where Heather Ammel filed the "alienation of affection" lawsuit)
• Sonoma, California, United States (location where the affair between Kyrsten Sinema and Matthew Ammel reportedly began)