Judge permits lawsuit against former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema under North Carolina homewrecker law

A federal judge in North Carolina ruled Friday that former Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an independent from Arizona, may be sued under the state’s “homewrecker” statute for her romantic involvement with Matthew Ammel, a married member of her security detail. The decision follows a complaint filed by Ammel’s spouse, who alleges that Sinema’s relationship caused the breakdown of their marriage, invoking a law that allows civil actions against individuals who intentionally interfere with a marriage.

Sinema’s legal team contended that the North Carolina statute does not apply to a public figure who does not reside in the state, arguing that jurisdiction and the law’s applicability were improper. The judge rejected that argument, finding that the alleged conduct occurred within North Carolina and that the statute’s language does not preclude action against an out‑of‑state defendant. The ruling permits the lawsuit to proceed, though the case will likely face further motions and potential appeals as both sides prepare for subsequent litigation.