Alice Stewart, a renowned CNN political commentator and veteran political adviser, has passed away at the age of 58. Her body was found outdoors in northern Virginia, with authorities suspecting a medical episode as the cause. CNN CEO Mark Thompson described Stewart as a dear friend and colleague known for her political savvy and unwavering kindness. No further details about the cause of death or survivors were immediately available.
Born in Atlanta in 1966, Stewart began her career as a local reporter before transitioning to a news anchor in Arkansas. She later served as the communications director for Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and held similar roles during Huckabee’s presidential campaign in 2008. Stewart also worked as the communications director for the presidential campaigns of Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum, and Ted Cruz. Cruz expressed his grief over Stewart’s passing, describing her as wonderful, talented, and fiercely patriotic. Stewart joined CNN as a political commentator before the 2016 election and became a regular presence on air, offering insights on political news.
Stewart’s approach at CNN was to be a conservative voice while maintaining independent thinking. She emphasized that she was not a blind follower of any particular ideology and believed in common sense and decency. Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson paid tribute to Stewart, highlighting her ability to build friendships in politics rather than creating enemies. Stewart co-hosted a podcast with Maria Cardona and served on the senior advisory committee at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she was a fellow. In her personal time, Stewart was an avid runner and frequently shared photos from her races on social media.
The sudden loss of Stewart has been deeply felt by those who knew her, both personally and professionally. Colleagues and friends have expressed their condolences and shared memories of her passion for politics and dedication to her craft. Stewart’s contributions as a political commentator and adviser have been widely recognized, with many acknowledging her unique perspective and valuable insights. Her presence on CNN and other platforms has left a lasting impact on the political landscape and her absence will be keenly felt by those who appreciated her expertise and friendship.
As a trailblazer in the world of political commentary, Stewart leaves behind a legacy of excellence and integrity. Her commitment to bipartisan engagement and thoughtful discourse has been praised by those who worked alongside her. Stewart’s work ethic, dedication to her craft, and empathetic approach to politics have set a standard for aspiring journalists and political commentators. Her passing is a great loss to the political media community and to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to the principles she held dear.
