Northern Virginia, USA – Alice Stewart, a respected political commentator for CNN and a veteran of multiple Republican presidential campaigns, passed away at the age of 58. Stewart, who regularly contributed to “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” was discovered deceased in the Bellevue neighborhood of northern Virginia. Law enforcement sources believe her death was a result of a medical emergency, with no signs of foul play.
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, later transitioning into becoming a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Stewart’s political career included serving as the communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee during his 2008 presidential campaign.
Stewart’s expertise extended beyond her work with Huckabee, as 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.
CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, shared the news of Stewart’s passing in an email to the network’s staff. Thompson remembered Stewart as a cherished friend and colleague, commending 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 one day before her passing.
Colleagues at CNN expressed their condolences over Stewart’s untimely death on social media. Newsroom anchor Jim Acosta shared his heartbreak, recalling their friendship that spanned back to the 2012 campaign.
Stewart leaves behind a legacy of journalistic excellence and political expertise. Her contributions to CNN’s political coverage and the Republican campaigns she worked on will be remembered. The exact circumstances of her passing are still under investigation.