Alice Stewart, a CNN political commentator and veteran political consultant who worked on several GOP presidential campaigns, has died at age 58. news network reported Saturday.
Police in Northern Virginia told CNN that Stewart’s body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood early Saturday morning and foul play was not suspected. According to CNN, officials believe Stewart suffered a medical episode.
Network CEO Mark Thompson called Stewart “a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN” in an email to employees.
“A political veteran and Emmy-winning journalist who brought an unparalleled spark to CNN’s coverage, he was recognized throughout our bureaus not only for his political acumen, but also for his unwavering kindness.” “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
No further information on the cause of death or survivors was released Saturday.
Stewart was born in Atlanta on March 11, 1966, and began her career as a local reporter in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas to become a news anchor. He went on to serve as communications director in the office of then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
He served in similar roles during Huckabee’s 2008 presidential bid and served as communications director for the 2012 presidential bids of Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann and then former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. Most recently, Stewart was the communications director for Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign.
“Heartbreaker,” Cruz aired on X on Saturday. “Alisa was a beautiful, talented and dear friend. And he loved America. He lived every day to the fullest and he will be greatly missed. God bless you dear ones. RIP.”
Stewart came to CNN as a political commentator prior to the 2016 election and appeared frequently on the air to report on the political news of the day. He last appeared on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer on Friday.
Stewart told the Harvard Political Review in 2020 that he brings “a perspective that CNN appreciates.”
“My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice but an independent thinker,” Stewart said. “I’m not a Kool-Aid drinker; I’m never Trump, and I didn’t check my common sense and decency at the door when I (Trump) voted.”
Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson wrote in X that Stewart’s sudden death is such a loss to everyone who valued his friendship and political passion.
“I met Alice for the first time in Arkansas and I am proud that she is not focused on making friends and making enemies in politics.” “Thank you Alice Stewart!”
Stewart also co-hosted the Left to Right Hot Mics podcast with CNN commentator Maria Cardona, and previously served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she was a fellow.
In his spare time, Stewart is an avid runner, according to CNN. She often posts photos on social media from road races, including the TCS New York City Marathon she ran in November and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race she ran last month.