Judge Rejects Sinema’s Jurisdiction Defense in North Carolina Alienation Suit
A federal judge has denied former Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel, ruling that North Carolina has jurisdiction over the 'homewrecker' claim. The case centers on allegations that Sinema interfered with the marriage of Heather Ammel and her then-husband, Matthew Ammel, who served as Sinema’s security detail. While Sinema admitted to a sexual relationship with Matthew Ammel, she argued she lacked a meaningful connection to North Carolina. Judge David A. Bragdon rejected this defense, noting that Sinema knew Matthew Ammel lived in the state with his family and that communications sent from North Carolina contributed to the marital breakdown. The ruling allows the case to proceed, with Heather Ammel seeking damages for the alleged interference with her 'good and loving marriage.'
Key points
- Judge David A. Bragdon denied Sinema’s motion to dismiss, establishing North Carolina jurisdiction over the alienation-of-affection claim.
- Sinema admitted to a sexual relationship with Matthew Ammel but argued she had no meaningful connection to North Carolina, a claim the judge rejected.
- The judge cited nine messages sent from North Carolina as evidence that Sinema was 'furthering a romantic relationship' and 'invading' the marriage.
- Heather Ammel is seeking damages, alleging Sinema pursued her husband while he was on Sinema’s security detail and later in her Senate office.
- The Ammels separated in November 2024 and finalized their divorce in March 2026, according to court records.
Background
This ruling follows a July 2026 deposition in which Sinema detailed multiple sexual encounters with Matthew Ammel, beginning around Memorial Day 2024. Previous coverage noted that the affair occurred in various locations, including Napa, New York, Washington D.C., Colorado, and Arizona, but Sinema maintained that no sexual acts took place in North Carolina. The current decision resolves the jurisdictional dispute, allowing the civil suit to move forward despite Sinema’s arguments that the state lacked a basis for the claim.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the continued viability of alienation-of-affection laws in a few remaining U.S. states, such as North Carolina, which allow spouses to sue third parties for damages resulting from marital breakdown. It also demonstrates how federal courts can assert jurisdiction over out-of-state defendants based on communications and knowledge of a plaintiff’s location, even if the primary conduct occurred elsewhere.
What to watch
The case will now proceed to further litigation, potentially including discovery and trial, as the jurisdictional barrier has been removed. Sinema’s legal team has not yet responded to the ruling, but the denial of the motion to dismiss means the lawsuit will continue in North Carolina federal court.
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