CNN announced the passing of Alice Stewart on Saturday at the age of 58. Police reported finding Stewart’s body outside her home in the Belle View neighborhood of Virginia early Saturday morning, attributing her death to a suspected medical emergency with no signs of foul play.
Expressing deep sorrow, Maria Cardona, whom Stewart referred to as her “amiga,” tweeted a photo with Stewart on Friday, reminiscing about their sister-like bond despite their differing political views. “We debated, but (with) respect,” Cardona wrote. “I will miss her dearly, but it seems God needed some top-notch communications help.”
Alice Stewart was known for her political analysis on CNN’s The Situation Room, alongside Wolf Blitzer and Maria Cardona. Blitzer remembered Stewart as a “very special person” whose absence will be felt deeply.
Stewart, born on March 11, 1966, in Atlanta, was not only a CNN political commentator but also a veteran senior communications adviser for various presidential campaigns, as noted by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, where she served on the Senior Advisory Committee.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson described Stewart as “a political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist” who brought a unique spark to CNN’s coverage. Her passing was mourned as an “extraordinary loss.”
Apart from her contributions to CNN, Stewart also made significant contributions to National Public Radio, according to Harvard. She had previously worked as a communications director for Ted Cruz’s presidential campaigns and developed communication strategies for various political organizations and campaigns.
Throughout her career, Stewart served in various roles, including as an anchor and reporter in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Savannah, Georgia, as well as Deputy Secretary of State for the State of Arkansas.
Rick Santorum, who had worked closely with Stewart, praised her as a “faithful witness to her Savior Jesus.” Similarly, Ted Cruz remembered her as a “wonderful and talented” friend who had a deep love for America.
Describing her role at CNN, Stewart emphasized her perspective as “a conservative voice, yet an independent thinker.” She emphasized that she was not beholden to any party line, stating, “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).”
Alice Stewart’s legacy as a respected political commentator and communications strategist will be remembered by her colleagues, friends, and viewers alike.