Alice Stewart, a seasoned political adviser and CNN political commentator renowned for her contributions to several GOP presidential campaigns, has passed away at the age of 58.
Law enforcement officials disclosed that Stewart's body was discovered outdoors in the Belle View neighborhood of northern Virginia early Saturday morning. There is no suspicion of foul play, with officers attributing her death to a medical emergency.
Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, conveyed his condolences to the staff in an email on Saturday, lauding Stewart as an invaluable asset to the network. Thompson highlighted Stewart's political acumen, journalistic prowess, and unwavering kindness, noting the profound impact of her loss on CNN's community.
Born on March 11, 1966, in Atlanta, Stewart commenced her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before relocating to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she assumed the role of news anchor. Subsequently, she served as the communications director for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's office and later for his presidential campaign in 2008.
Stewart further distinguished herself as the communications director for the 2012 Republican presidential bids of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, both of whom were also former CNN commentators. Additionally, Stewart served as the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's 2016 GOP presidential campaign.
Senator Ted Cruz paid tribute to Stewart, expressing his sorrow over her passing and extolling her as a wonderful and talented individual who lived life to the fullest.
Stewart joined CNN as a political commentator ahead of the 2016 election, gracing the network's programming with her insightful analyses and expertise. She made regular appearances on air, offering her perspectives on the political landscape. Her last appearance was on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" on Friday.
Wolf Blitzer fondly remembered Stewart's contributions, emphasizing her ability to elucidate complex political developments and enhance viewers' understanding of current affairs. Her absence, he lamented, will be keenly felt by all who valued her intellect and insight.
CNN anchor and chief political correspondent Dana Bash, who knew Stewart for nearly two decades after first meeting her when Stewart worked for the Huckabee campaign, remembered her Saturday as “somebody who told it straight.”“
One of the many reasons why she was so valuable to us on our political panels … is because she brought that experience,” Bash added. “She brought that understanding of how Republican politics, Republican campaigns work and she never, ever did it with anything other than a smile.”
In a 2020 interview with the Harvard Political Review, Stewart discussed her role as a commentator for CNN, emphasizing the perspective she brings to the network.
"I see my role at CNN as providing a conservative viewpoint while maintaining independence in my thinking," Stewart remarked. "I'm not blindly loyal to any party or ideology. I'm not a staunch critic of President Trump, nor am I uncritical of him. I approach issues with common sense and decency, even as I voted for him."
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson fondly recalled Stewart's approach to politics, noting her emphasis on building relationships rather than fostering division.
"She believed that politics should be about building connections rather than creating adversaries," Hutchinson shared with CNN. He recounted how Stewart reached out to him and offered encouragement after he suspended his presidential campaign earlier in the year. They recently discussed the challenges facing contemporary politics, highlighting Stewart's commitment to positive change.
Stewart co-hosted the podcast "Hot Mics From Left to Right" alongside fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona.
"I'm still in disbelief that she's no longer with us," Cardona expressed on "CNN Newsroom," noting their plans to record an episode of their podcast on Saturday. "I want everyone to know what an exceptional person she was, particularly in our field. In today's political climate, which can often be divisive and combative, Alice was a beacon of warmth and kindness."
Beyond her media engagements, Stewart served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School, where she had previously been a fellow.
In her leisure time, Stewart enjoyed running and frequently shared photos from road races on social media, including the TCS New York City Marathon in November and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race last month.
This story has been updated to include additional information.
CNN's Kayla Gallagher contributed to this report.