CNN political analyst and veteran political adviser Alice Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 58. Law enforcement officials report that Stewart's body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood in northern Virginia early on Saturday morning.
While a cause of death has not been released, it is believed that Stewart suffered a "medical emergency." Foul play is not suspected, according to CNN.
Stewart was a beloved member of the CNN team, known for her political expertise and unwavering kindness. In an email to staff, network CEO Mark Thompson mourned the loss of "an extraordinary journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN's coverage." Stewart's untimely death has left the network and political world in shock and sadness.
Stewart began her career as a local reporter in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to be a news anchor. She became the communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee before serving in a similar role for his 2008 Republican presidential bid. In the years following, Stewart also worked as a communications director for other presidential candidates, including Michelle Bachmann and Rick Santorum.
Most recently, Stewart served as the communications director for Senator Ted Cruz's presidential campaign in 2016. Despite Cruz's eventual loss to Donald Trump, Stewart's political expertise and strategic communication skills were widely recognized and respected.
In addition to her work behind the scenes of political campaigns, Stewart was also a prominent political commentator for CNN. She frequently appeared on panels to discuss current political events and provide insights and analysis. Just yesterday, Stewart made her final appearance on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" before her sudden passing.
Stewart's colleagues at CNN and fellow political commentators remember her as a friend and mentor. Blitzer praised Stewart's intellect, stating that "we would be a little bit smarter at the end of [their] conversation[s]." Fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona, who co-hosted the podcast "Hot Mics From Left to Right" with Stewart, described her as a "conservative voice yet an independent thinker" who brought a valuable perspective to the network.
Stewart's views and analysis were widely sought after due to her reputation for being a conservative but independent thinker. In an interview with the Harvard International Review in 2020, she stated, "I bring a perspective that I think CNN appreciates. I'm not a Kool-Aid drinker; I'm not a never-Trumper, and I didn't check my common sense and decency at the door when I voted for [Trump]."
Stewart's death has left a void in the political world, with many paying tribute to her impact and legacy. Her passion for politics, sharp wit, and kind heart will be greatly missed by her colleagues, friends, and fans. As the political world continues to mourn the loss of this influential figure, Stewart's legacy will live on through her contributions to the industry.