Alice Stewart, a veteran political adviser and CNN political commentator, has passed away at the age of 58. Her body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood of northern Virginia, with police suspecting she suffered a medical episode. CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson described Stewart as a dear friend and colleague known for her political savvy and kindness, mourning her as an extraordinary loss. Stewart’s cause of death and surviving family members were not immediately disclosed.
Stewart’s career began as a local reporter in Georgia before becoming a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas. She later served as the communications director for Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and played similar roles in the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns of Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum. Most recently, she was the communications director for Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign. Cruz expressed his sadness over Stewart’s passing, calling her talented and a dear friend who loved America fiercely.
Joining CNN as a political commentator before the 2016 election, Stewart often appeared on air to provide insight into political news. She described her role as bringing a conservative voice with independent thinking to the network, stating she was not a blind supporter of any party or candidate. Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson praised Stewart’s friendship and political passion, highlighting her focus on building relationships in politics rather than creating enemies. Stewart was also involved in the podcast “Hot Mics from Left to Right” and served on the senior advisory committee at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.
In addition to her political career, Stewart was an avid runner, frequently participating in road races such as the TCS New York City Marathon and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race. Her dedication to fitness and passion for running were evident through her social media posts. The sudden loss of Stewart has left a void among those who knew and worked with her, with many expressing condolences and fond memories of her impact on the political landscape. She will be remembered for her professionalism, kindness, and dedication to her craft.
