Alice Stewart, a CNN commentator and veteran GOP strategist who previously worked on several presidential campaigns, has died. She was 58.
Law enforcement officials told CNN that Ms. Stewart was found dead outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood in northern Virginia on Saturday morning. They believe the death is linked to a medical emergency, and no foul play is suspected.
“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CEO Mark Thompson told staff in an email, per the network.
“A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness,” he added. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
Ms. Stewart worked on several GOP presidential campaigns prior to joining CNN as a commentator ahead of the 2016 election. She was also the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“Heartbreaking,” Mr. Cruz posted Saturday on X. “Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely. She lived every day to the fullest, and she will be deeply missed. May God’s comfort and peace be upon her loved ones. RIP.”
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Stewart began her career as a local reporter in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to work as a news anchor. Her introduction to politics began when she worked as the communications director at then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s office.
She later worked as the communications director for the 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns of Mr. Huckabee, as well as the 2012 presidential campaigns of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Ms. Stewart was a frequent guest on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” and had appeared on the CNN show just a day prior to her death. Her final Instagram post read: “It’s always a sunny day when you can join the great @wolfblitzer on #CNN with @mariacardonadc!”
Mr. Blitzer, the anchor of the show, expressed condolences at the news of her death. “I’m so sad that my friend and @CNN colleague @AliceStewartDC has passed away. It was only yesterday when she joined Maria Cardona and me for her always excellent political analysis. She was a very special person and we will miss her. May she Rest In Peace and may her Memory Be A Blessing.”
Ms. Stewart told the Harvard Political Review in 2020 that she brings “a perspective that I think CNN appreciates.”
“My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice yet an independent thinker,” she said. “I’m not a Kool-Aid drinker; I’m not a never-Trumper, and I didn’t check my common sense and decency at the door when I voted for [President Trump].”
Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson posted on X that Ms. Stewart’s “sudden death is such a loss to all who valued her friendship as well as her political passion.”
“I first met Alice in Arkansas and I am proud that she focused on making friends in politics and not making enemies,” he wrote. “Thank you Alice Stewart!”
Ms. Stewart was also a co-host of the podcast “Hot Mics from Left to Right” alongside fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona.
“I am turned inside out at this tragic news. As many know, Alice & I were like sisters from opposite ends of the political aisle,” Democratic political strategist and CNN commentator Ms. Cardona wrote. “We debated but w respect. I will miss her dearly but seems God needed some top-notch communications help. RIP beautiful friend.”
Separately, Ms. Stewart served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s Kennedy School where she was previously a fellow.
Colleagues expressed condolences on social media at her sudden death.
“My heart is broken over the passing of our dear colleague Alice Stewart,” CNN anchor Jim Acosta wrote. “We’ve been friends going back to the 2012 campaign. We spent so many weekends talking politics with the wonderful @MariaTCardona – they always spoke so passionately but with kindness and civility. Alice was my friend and I loved her. RIP.”
“Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted,” CNN anchor Jake Tapper wrote.
“Alice Stewart was a woman’s woman who brought kindness and support along with smarts and expertise,” wrote CNN anchor Dana Bash. “I met her in Iowa in 2007 covering the Huckabee presidential campaign and worked with her in politics before I got to call her a CNN colleague. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
According to CNN, Ms. Stewart liked to run in her free time, and frequently posted photos of road races on social media, including of the TCS New York City Marathon, which she ran in November, and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race, which she ran last month.
From The Epoch Times