Sinema made the comments during a deposition at a law office in Raleigh. The documents were filed Aug. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina Western Division.

A lawyer also pressed Sinema on text messages that she sent to Matthew Ammel, including a picture of Sinema in a towel. She said that the photo was “about sports” because she is an endurance athlete and the photo was of her cupping marks.

In another message, Sinema said, “Putting my hand on your heart. I’ll see you soon. I miss you.”

“Is that the type of message that you sent to other security guards or other members of your security detail?” the lawyer asked.

Sinema said she could not recall whether she sent a similar message to her other security detail.

“You understand, Ms. Sinema, don’t you, that a wife reading this might get concerned about who is sending her husband that kind of message referring to putting his — her hand on his heart? Can you see that?” the lawyer asked.

Sinema answered “yes.”

Heather Ammel also sat for a deposition in the case. She agreed that she cannot dispute that the romantic and sexual relationship between Sinema and Matthew Ammel happened exclusively outside of North Carolina before Nov. 1, 2024, which is when the couple separated.

The next step in the case will be an evidentiary hearing Aug. 19, according to court documents.

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