A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for a lawsuit against former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) under North Carolina's "homewrecker" law, rejecting her attempt to have the case thrown out. The suit stems from her admitted relationship with Matthew Ammel, a married member of her security detail, and was filed by Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel.
U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon ruled that Sinema's text messages to Matthew Ammel while he was at his family home in North Carolina were sufficient to establish jurisdiction in that state. Sinema's lawyers had argued she had no ties to North Carolina and could not be sued there.
In his order, Bragdon wrote that the messages "show Ms. Sinema building and furthering a romantic relationship with Mr. Ammel—invading the marriage not just while he was away on trips with her but while he was home with his family in North Carolina."
North Carolina is among a handful of states that still recognize "alienation of affection," a civil claim that allows a spouse to seek damages from a third party whose actions contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. Heather Ammel filed suit late last year, seeking at least $75,000 in damages.
The complaint alleges that Sinema's relationship with Matthew Ammel "exceeded the bounds of a normal working relationship and were of romantic and lascivious natures." It also claims that Sinema paid for Ammel's psychedelic treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries he suffered during military deployments.
Heather Ammel contends that she and Matthew Ammel had "a good and loving marriage" until Sinema's interference. The couple separated on Nov. 1, 2024.
The ruling is a setback for Sinema, who left the Senate in January after a single term. She has acknowledged the relationship but maintained that the lawsuit lacks legal merit. Her attorneys have not yet indicated whether they will appeal.
The case adds to Sinema's legal and political troubles. She has faced criticism from both parties for her independent streak and for her role in blocking key Democratic priorities. The lawsuit also shines a light on the conduct of members of Congress and their security details, a topic that has drawn scrutiny in recent years.
As the case moves forward, it could test the limits of North Carolina's alienation-of-affection statute in the digital age, where texts and other electronic communications can cross state lines. Legal experts say the ruling could set a precedent for how courts handle similar claims involving out-of-state defendants.
