CNN political adviser and analyst Alice Stewart died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday at the age of 58, according to reports from the network.
Stewart’s body was found early Saturday morning outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood in northern Virginia, law enforcement officials said.
It is believed Stewart suffered a “medical emergency,” but no official cause of death has been disclosed.
In an email to staff on Saturday, network CEO Mark Thompson said:
“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN.”
“A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
BREAKING: CNN's Alice Stewart has dıed suddenly after a “medical emergency”
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) May 19, 2024
She posted this photo yesterday. pic.twitter.com/AnfPWgPl67
Stewart’s career began as a local reporter in Georgia. She then became the communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
She later served a similar role for Huckabee’s Republican presidential bid in 2008.
Stewart later worked as a communications director for several additional presidential candidates, including former U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum.
She also served as the communications director for Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential bid in 2016.
Stewart was later hired as a political commentator for CNN before the 2016 election, frequently appearing on panels to discuss political news.
Her last appearance came just days ago on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”
Blitzer told Jessica Dean on “CNN Newsroom:”
“We always invited her to come on my show because we knew we would be a little bit smarter at the end of that conversation.”
“She helped our viewers better appreciate what was going on and that’s why we will miss her so much.”
Stewart also appeared as a co-host with fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona on the podcast “Hot Mics From Left to Right.”
Speaking about her role at CNN with the Harvard Political Review in 2020, Stewart said she brings “a perspective that I think CNN appreciates.”
“My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice yet an independent thinker,” Stewart said.
“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).”
