Alice Stewart, a CNN commentator and political reporter, passed away at the age of 58. Her death was confirmed by CNN on May 18, after she was found dead in her Virginia home that morning. Law enforcement believes her death was a result of a medical emergency, and no foul play is suspected. She was known for bringing a spark to CNN’s coverage with her political savvy and kindness. CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson expressed sorrow over her loss in an email to staff, calling her an extraordinary colleague and friend.
Stewart joined CNN as a political commentator in 2016, just before the presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. She cohosted the podcast “Hot Mics From Left to Right” with Maria Cardona, and appeared on air as recently as May 17. Wolf Blitzer, a fellow CNN anchor, described her as a special woman and someone who always had something valuable to contribute. Jim Acosta also shared his condolences, recalling their friendship that dated back to the 2012 campaign.
Born in Atlanta on March 11, 1966, Stewart started her journalism career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas to work as a news anchor. She expressed her love for news, politics, courts, and breaking news in an interview with the Harvard International Review. Prior to CNN, she served as communications director for several presidential campaigns and as a surrogate for the Republican National Committee.
Stewart described her role at CNN as a conservative commentator who provided her perspective from a conservative viewpoint. She emphasized her independence as a thinker and her refusal to blindly follow any political group. She worked on campaigns for candidates such as Sen. Ted Cruz, Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Congressman Michele Bachmann. She maintained that she was not a never-Trumper and voted for Trump while still holding onto her common sense and decency.
The news of Stewart’s passing was met with sadness from her colleagues at CNN, who remembered her as a person with a bright and engaging personality. She was known for her political expertise and her ability to have civil discussions on divisive topics. Her presence on CNN brought a unique perspective to the network, and her loss was deeply felt by all who knew her. The cause of her death has yet to be officially determined, but her legacy as a respected journalist and political commentator will live on.
Stewart’s contributions to CNN, her dedication to journalism, and her passion for politics were evident throughout her career. She leaves behind a legacy of impactful reporting and thoughtful commentary that will be missed by the CNN community and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Alice Stewart’s passing is a significant loss not only for CNN but for the world of political journalism as a whole. Her memory will be honored by those who admired and respected her work.
