Alice Stewart, a CNN commentator and veteran GOP strategist who previously worked on several presidential campaigns, has passed away at the age of 58.
Law enforcement officials informed CNN that Ms. Stewart was discovered deceased outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood in northern Virginia on Saturday morning. They believe her death is related to a medical emergency, with no foul play suspected.
“Alice was a cherished friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CEO Mark Thompson conveyed to staff in an email, according to the network.
“A seasoned political expert and Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought a unique energy to CNN’s reporting, recognized across our bureaus not only for her political acumen but also for her consistent kindness,” he continued. “We are deeply saddened by this extraordinary loss.”
Prior to joining CNN as a commentator before the 2016 election, Ms. Stewart was involved in various GOP presidential campaigns. She also served as the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Originating from Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Stewart initiated her career as a local reporter in Georgia before relocating to Little Rock, Arkansas, to pursue work as a news anchor. Her entry into politics occurred during her time as the communications director at then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s office.
She subsequently served as the communications director for the 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns of Mr. Huckabee, as well as the 2012 presidential campaigns of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Mr. Blitzer, the show’s anchor, expressed his condolences upon learning of her death. “I’m devastated by the news of the passing of my friend and @CNN colleague @AliceStewartDC. It feels like just yesterday when she, Maria Cardona, and I engaged in her consistently excellent political analysis. She was truly special, and her absence will be deeply felt. May she Rest In Peace and may her Memory Be A Blessing.”
Ms. Stewart mentioned to the Harvard Political Review in 2020 that she offers “a perspective that I believe CNN values.”
“My role at CNN is to be a conservative voice while also being an independent thinker,” she remarked. “I’m not blindly loyal, I’m not vehemently against Trump, and I didn’t abandon my common sense and decency when I voted for [President Trump].”
“I first met Alice in Arkansas, and I am grateful that she prioritized forming friendships in politics over creating adversaries,” he reflected. “Thank you, Alice Stewart!”
Ms. Stewart also co-hosted the podcast “Hot Mics from Left to Right” alongside fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona.
Colleagues took to social media to express their condolences over her sudden passing.
According to CNN, Ms. Stewart enjoyed running in her spare time and frequently posted pictures of her participation in road races on social media, including the TCS New York City Marathon she completed in November and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race she ran last month.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link