Former senator Kyrsten Sinema accused of splurging campaign funds on luxury hotels, first-class travel, and $800 makeup sessions — months after leaving office
Former Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema is back in the headlines — but not for her politics. The independent lawmaker, who left Congress months ago, is being accused of spending campaign funds on personal luxuries, including high-end hotels, first-class flights, and expensive makeup sessions. According to Federal Election Commission records reviewed by the New York Post, Sinema’s campaign account covered travel, lodging, and even beauty expenses despite her no longer holding public office.
The documents show that Sinema, now affiliated with a lobbying and law firm, reportedly spent around $800 on makeup services in her home state while also billing airfare and hotel stays to her campaign. The expenses, flagged in quarterly filings, have triggered widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who argue the funds should have been used for campaign-related purposes only.
Sinema, once hailed as a moderate bridge-builder in the Senate, has faced scrutiny before for her lifestyle choices — including lavish wine trips, designer clothing, and high-end marathons sponsored by donors. Her political career was defined by her independence, often frustrating both parties, but it now appears her spending habits have drawn even sharper attention.
Critics say this latest controversy reflects a broader problem in Washington: the blurred line between campaign finances and personal luxury. FEC rules prohibit candidates from using political donations for personal use, though they allow travel or event-related expenses tied to official activities. Whether Sinema’s charges fall under legitimate campaign business remains unclear, but watchdog groups say her post-Senate spending raises red flags.
A spokesperson for the former senator has not publicly commented, though her defenders argue that outgoing lawmakers often retain campaign funds to wrap up old expenses or support ongoing political initiatives. Yet for many Americans struggling with inflation and rising costs, seeing a former lawmaker use donations to pay for beauty treatments and luxury stays feels out of touch.
Sinema’s political journey has always been unconventional. Once a Green Party activist, she evolved into a centrist Democrat before declaring herself an independent, aligning with neither major party. Her swing-state pragmatism once made her a key vote in the Senate, especially during debates on infrastructure and border security. But her departure from Congress earlier this year marked the end of an era — and now, possibly, the start of a different kind of scrutiny.
Despite her exit, Sinema has maintained visibility through high-profile events, networking at elite gatherings, and appearing alongside corporate and lobbying figures. For critics, that reinforces the image of a politician more connected to money and influence than the Arizona voters who once backed her.
As investigators review the records, the case underscores how campaign finance scandals remain a recurring theme in American politics. Whether Sinema faces penalties or simply another round of bad headlines, the revelation has already reignited debate over ethics, accountability, and the revolving door between Washington and private power.
For now, Kyrsten Sinema seems unbothered — photographed smiling at events and traveling frequently. But for the donors who once believed in her promise of independence, the latest reports may feel like a betrayal.
