Alice Stewart, a seasoned political commentator for CNN and a veteran of multiple Republican presidential campaigns, passed away on Saturday at the age of 58. Stewart, a regular contributor to “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” was discovered deceased in the Bellevue neighborhood of northern Virginia, according to law enforcement sources. Authorities believe her death was due to a medical emergency, with no indications of foul play.
Stewart’s passing was acknowledged by CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, in a heartfelt email to the network’s staff. Thompson described Stewart as a cherished friend and colleague, praising her Emmy Award-winning journalism and her invaluable contributions to CNN’s political coverage. He also highlighted her reputation for kindness and political acumen across the network’s bureaus. The cause of her sudden death remains unknown, and Stewart had appeared on Blitzer’s show just a day before her passing.
Born and raised in Georgia, Stewart had been a prominent figure at CNN since joining the network in the lead-up to the 2016 election. Her career in journalism began as a local reporter and producer in her home state, and she later became a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her transition into politics saw her serving as the communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee during his 2008 presidential campaign.
Stewart’s political experience extended beyond her work with Huckabee. She also served as the communications director for the 2012 presidential campaigns of former Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. In 2016, she reprised this role for Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential bid.
News of Stewart’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from her CNN colleagues on social media. CNN Newsroom anchor Jim Acosta expressed his heartbreak over the loss of Stewart, recalling their friendship that dated back to the 2012 campaign.