Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema has been away from Congress for several months now, yet she continues to utilize campaign funds for various expenses including flights, hotels, and cosmetics.
This independent from Arizona, who has recently joined a law and lobbying firm, reportedly allocated $800 for compensation within her home state, as indicated by records from the Federal Election Commission that were assessed by the Post.
In August, Sinema contributed $400 to Michelle Lee Photography + Makeup, a business that also offers wedding photography services, according to FEC records.
Then, on September 12, she also reported another $400 expense for “make-up services” from a company known as “Makeup Services.” This appears to be linked to Lauren Reed, an Arizona-based freelance makeup artist and image consultant.
Sinema, who left office in January 2025, seems to be broadening her financial portfolio.
She has spent a total of $1,537 from her campaign funds at a winery in Sonoma and on gifts to her donors, with over $4 million still remaining in her campaign account at the end of last year.
Among her expenditures, there were significant security costs of $12,500 for services and an additional $51,210 for “security housing” in the last reporting period. It’s not uncommon for many public figures to require security, particularly if they’ve faced threats.
Furthermore, her September expenses included $9,579 on American Airlines and hotel stays in locations like Alaska, Aspen, and Berlin.
Experts note that former politicians face limitations on how they can utilize campaign funds, with personal expenses being off-limits.
Brett Kappel, a campaign finance specialist from Harmon Curran, indicated to the Post that such makeup expenses could be categorized as illegal personal use.
He also explained that previous members can donate their funds to party committees, charities, or refund donors, but the rules change once they leave office.
Spending for security may be acceptable for current lawmakers or candidates but not for someone like Sinema, according to Kappel.
During the period from July to September 2024, Sinema Inc. spent about $216,000 on travel, which interestingly included $1,262 for a meal at the upscale Nobu Tokyo restaurant.
The FEC has provided advisory opinions indicating that security fees are typically designated for candidates rather than former members.
Meanwhile, while the FEC struggles with a lack of commissioners and is unable to operate, Sinema remains insulated from any potential consequences.
Having served one term in the Senate and six years in the House, she announced in March 2024 that she would conclude her Senate tenure at the term’s end, sidestepping a potential three-way race involving Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake, both of whom were in the spotlight.
In January, she took a role on the advisory board of cryptocurrency firm Coinbase and joined the law firm Hogan Lovells in March, focusing on regulatory and intellectual property matters.
Sinema has not responded to inquiries regarding her campaign expenditures.
