Alice Stewart, CNN political commentator, dead at 58

Alice Stewart, a veteran CNN commentator and political consultant who worked on numerous Republican campaigns, has died at the age of 58, the network reported. announced Saturday.

Her body was found outside in a northern Virginia neighborhood on Saturday, law enforcement told the outlet. CNN reported that officers denied foul play and said her death was likely due to a medical emergency.

Stewart, who started her career as a local reporter, joined CNN in 2016 as a contributor.

She has worked with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), and most recently as communications director for the 2016 presidential campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). He worked for various Republican politicians before serving as

“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CNN CEO Mark Thompson told CNN staff on Saturday, according to the network.

“A political veteran and Emmy Award-winning journalist who brings unparalleled brilliance to CNN’s reporting, she is known throughout our bureau not only for her political knowledge but also for her unwavering kindness. ,” Thompson added. It’s a special loss. ”

Mr. Stewart, who was born in Atlanta in 1966, was a member of the senior advisory board of the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. She also co-hosted a podcast called “Hot Mics from Left to Right” with CNN commentator Maria Cardona.

Her last appearance on the network was Friday when she appeared on “The Situation Room” with anchor Wolf Blitzer.

“We always invited her to my show because we knew she would come out a little smarter at the end of the conversation,” Blitzer said. Said Jessica Deen appeared on “CNN Newsroom” on Saturday. “We will miss her greatly as she helped her viewers better understand what was going on.”

CNN anchor Jake Tapper said: Social media platform After the news broke, he expressed his condolences.

“Incredibly kind, smart and astute, Alice was beloved by everyone at CNN,” he wrote. “I’m really sorry to her family. I’m really sorry.”

Commentator David Axelrod, who also serves on the Harvard committee, said he was “devastated” by the news of her untimely death.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a kinder, kinder person,” he says. Posted in X. “She will be missed by all who knew her.”