A US federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that an "alienation of affection" lawsuit against former Senator Kyrsten Sinema can proceed to trial, rejecting her attempt to have the case dismissed. The suit was brought by Heather Ammel, ex-wife of Sinema's former bodyguard and current boyfriend Matthew Ammel, and the ruling means Sinema could ultimately be ordered to pay substantial damages, marking a serious setback for the ex-lawmaker.

Heather Ammel sued under a rare 19th-century tort still recognised in a handful of US states, alleging Sinema began an affair with Matthew in 2024 while he was still employed as her bodyguard and living with his wife and children. Judge David Bragdon found there was "genuine love and affection" between the Ammels despite a turbulent 2024, and noted inconsistencies in Matthew Ammel's testimony, who did not appear in person at last month's hearing. Both women gave evidence at an earlier hearing, with Heather describing "grooming" behaviour by Sinema and feeling "powerless" against a sitting senator, while Sinema testified the relationship began after Matthew pursued her during a trip to Napa Valley in May 2024. The case will now move to discovery ahead of a civil trial.