In a tragic turn of events, Alice Stewart, a veteran political advisor and CNN political commentator, has passed away at the age of 58. Stewart worked on several GOP presidential campaigns and will be remembered for her incredible expertise in political strategy and analysis. Her body was found outdoors in the Belle View neighborhood in northern Virginia, with authorities suspecting a medical emergency as the cause of death.
Alice Stewart began her illustrious career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she worked as a news anchor. She later became the communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s office and played an instrumental role in his 2008 presidential campaign. Stewart’s impressive résumé also includes communications director roles for the 2012 Republican presidential bids of Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum, as well as Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s 2016 GOP campaign.
CNN hired Stewart as a political commentator ahead of the 2016 election, and her insightful analysis of the day’s political news regularly made her a sought-after guest on programs such as “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” She was known for her ability to articulate Republican politics and campaigns clearly, always doing so with a smile.
Her colleague, CNN anchor and chief political correspondent Dana Bash, described Stewart as “somebody who told it straight,” a trait that made her invaluable on political panels. Her intellect and understanding of politics will be greatly missed by the CNN family and its viewers. Stewart’s contributions were deeply appreciated by the network; as she herself said in a 2020 interview with Harvard Political Review, she provided a perspective that was appreciated by CNN for being conservative yet independent in thought.
Alice Stewart will be remembered not only for her professional acumen but also for her compassionate nature and belief in treating others with respect. As former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson recalled, Stewart believed politics was about creating friends, not enemies – a much-needed perspective in today’s often divisive political climate.
Apart from her work in politics and news, Stewart co-hosted the podcast “Hot Mics From Left to Right” with fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona and served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Stewart was a marathon runner who passionately embraced the sport.
Alice Stewart’s untimely passing has left an unmistakable void in the world of politics and journalism. Her endless contributions to the realm of political analysis and commentary, as well as her kindness and genuine spirit, serve as a lasting legacy. In a world where politics can often be filled with animosity and contempt, Alice Stewart’s example of decency and integrity will continue to inspire those left in her wake.
