Who Is Matthew Ammel? Ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Bodyguard Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Affair

January 2026 – Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a legal dispute after a federal lawsuit was filed in North Carolina. The lawsuit alleges that Sinema had an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. The case was brought by Heather Ammel, Matthew’s ex-wife, seeking at least USD 75,000 in damages. Heather claims that the alleged relationship contributed to the end of their 14-year marriage.

Here’s everything you need to know about Matthew Ammel, his background, and the ongoing lawsuit.

Who Is Matthew Ammel?

Matthew Ammel is a U.S. Army veteran and former member of Kyrsten Sinema’s security team. He served in Afghanistan and the Middle East before retiring from the Army in 2022. After retirement, he joined Sinema’s staff as a security officer and later became a Defence and National Security Fellow in her Senate office in June 2024.

Legal documents also note that Ammel has dealt with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse stemming from his military service.

Allegations Made by Heather Ammel

Heather Ammel filed the lawsuit under North Carolina’s alienation of affection laws, which allow a spouse to sue a third party if they are believed to have interfered in the marriage.

The lawsuit claims that Matthew engaged in a romantic and sexual relationship with Sinema while working as her bodyguard and later as a Senate staffer. Heather alleges that Sinema encouraged Matthew to bring illegal substances on trips and guided him through “psychedelic experiences.”

Heather also claims that Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring while working with Sinema, hiding his marital status. She says the alleged affair began affecting their marriage in late 2024 and eventually led to Matthew filing for divorce after getting a salaried position in Sinema’s Senate office.

Matthew Ammel’s Marriage and Family

Matthew and Heather married in 2010 and had three children:

• Clara Ammel, born 2011

• Isla Ammel, born 2013

• James Ammel, born 2015

Heather mainly worked as a stay-at-home mother. The lawsuit does not detail the current custody arrangements. Matthew officially filed for divorce in the first week of January 2026.

Current Status of the Lawsuit

As of January 2026, the lawsuit involving Kyrsten Sinema, Matthew Ammel, and Heather Ammel is ongoing. The case was initially filed in Moore County and later moved to federal court. Both the allegations and the legal proceedings have drawn widespread media attention, putting the former Senator and her former bodyguard under the spotlight.

The case highlights issues surrounding alienation of affection laws, military veterans in politics, and workplace ethics.