Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema has testified about her involvement in a sexual relationship with a married security guard, Matthew Ammel, while she was serving as a representative in Arizona. This information came to light through federal court documents.
Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ummel, has filed a lawsuit against Sinema in North Carolina, alleging that she contributed to the breakdown of their 14-year marriage. Sinema switched from being a Democrat to an independent earlier last year. Sinema’s legal team moved to dismiss the case in federal court, contending that the court does not have personal jurisdiction over her since the relationship took place outside of North Carolina.
In a deposition from July 31, Sinema stated that her first intimate encounter with Ammel was around Memorial Day in 2024. She recounted a specific moment, recalling a stay at an Airbnb in Napa, California, where they were together with friends. Sinema described how Ammel kissed her outside, after which they went inside, and had sex.
They reportedly met again in June during a wedding for CNN anchor Jessica Dean in New York City, maintaining separate hotel rooms but engaging in what Sinema characterized as an “intimate relationship.” She noted another rendezvous in mid-July at her Washington, D.C. apartment after arriving from the West Coast.
In mid-August, during a trip to Aspen, Colorado for a fundraising event, Sinema mentioned that she had another sexual encounter with Ammel. While she couldn’t recall an alleged meeting in Washington, D.C. later that September, Ammel acknowledged it in his deposition. Their relationship lasted until October 2024 when they were once again together at Sinema’s home in Phoenix.
Sinema acknowledged she was aware that Ammel had three children and was married during their encounters. At one point during her deposition, she was questioned about a photo she had sent to Ammel of herself wrapped in a towel. She explained it was related to her status as an endurance athlete but couldn’t specifically remember that particular photo. In a separate message, Sinema expressed her feelings to Ammel, saying she missed him.
During the proceedings, Heather Ummel shared that she discovered her husband’s infidelity when he came home very intoxicated while at her parents’ place. She also read a message aloud that Sinema sent Ammel, which mentioned thoughts of him and a desire for closeness.
Heather described Sinema as “insidious” and accused her of trying to destroy their family. Later, she claimed Matthew was manipulative during her testimony, indicating that she believed he was still manipulating both Sinema and herself.
Records indicate the Ammels separated on November 1, 2024, with their divorce finalizing in March 2026. An evidentiary hearing concerning the case against Sinema is set to take place on August 19, according to court documents.
