Alice Stewart, a longtime GOP consultant and CNN political commentator, has died. She was 58.
Stewart’s body was found outside Saturday morning in a northern Virginia neighborhood, police told CNN. Officers said there was no foul play and it was likely a medical emergency.
Born on March 11, 1966 in Atlanta, Stewart launched her career as a local reporter in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to work as a news anchor. She later worked for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s office as communications director and for his campaign for president in 2008. She also served as communications director for GOP presidential candidates, including former Minnesota Rep. Michel Bachmannformer Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Senator Ted Cruz.
She started working as a political commentator for CNN in 2016. Her last performance was Friday in “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”
Stewart’s colleagues and politicians who worked with her reacted to Saturday’s news, calling it devastating and shocking. They said she will be remembered for her kindness and intelligence.
“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CEO Mark Thompson said in an email to staff on Saturday. “A political veteran and Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s reporting, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy but also for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
