The political world is mourning the shocking and untimely death of Alice Stewart, a veteran Republican strategist and award-winning CNN commentator known for her wit across the partisan divide.
Stewart was just 58 years old when she died suddenly this weekend in Northern Virginia.
Law enforcement officials told CNN that Stewart’s body “was found outdoors in the Belle View neighborhood in northern Virginia early Saturday morning. No foul play is suspected, and officers believe a medical emergency occurred.”
The news sent a ripple of sorrow through Washington and beyond, as friends, colleagues, and even former political rivals praised Stewart’s decency, intelligence, and passion for her work.
“Alice Stewart was wonderful and talented and a dear friend,” said Senator Ted Cruz, R-T.X., for whom Stewart served as communications director during his 2016 presidential campaign. “She lived every day to the fullest, and she will be deeply missed. May God’s comfort and peace be upon her loved ones.”
Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN where Stewart worked as a commentator since leaving Cruz’ campaign, touted her impact in an email to staff on Saturday.
“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” Thompson said. “A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
Stewart’s kindness and ability to engage with those across the aisle made her a beloved figure at the network, as evidenced by the emotional tributes from her CNN colleagues.
“I just can’t believe that she’s gone,” said Democratic strategist Maria Cardona, Stewart’s co-host on the “Hot Mics From Left to Right” podcast. “I want everyone to know what a special person she was, especially in this industry. As you know, today’s politics can be indecent and so dirty, and Alice was just such a loving, shining light.”
“We always invited her to come on my show because we knew we would be a little bit smarter at the end of that conversation. She helped our viewers better appreciate what was going on and that’s why we will miss her so much,” longtime CNN anchor Wolf Blizter said.
Before joining CNN, Stewart had a long career in Republican politics. The Georgia native started in local news before moving to communications roles for high-profile figures like former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, whose 2008 presidential campaign she worked on.
Stewart went on to serve as communications director for the presidential campaigns of Michele Bachmann in 2012 and Ted Cruz in 2016. In her own words, she aimed to be a conservative, but independent, voice.
“My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice yet an independent thinker,” Stewart said. “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).”
Beyond politics, Stewart was an avid runner who “frequently posted photos from road races on social media, including from the TCS New York City Marathon, which she ran in November, and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race, which she ran last month.”
Her passion for her work and family were unmatched, Cardona said.
“Alice loved. She loved. She loved her family, she loved her dog … she loved what she did for CNN,” Cardona said. “She loved communicating her passion about politics, about the importance of what she held dear, in terms of doing these really difficult conversations — especially in today’s environment.”
In an era of intense political polarization, Stewart’s civility and warmth across partisan lines made her a true standout.
“She brought that experience…and she never, ever did it with anything other than a smile,” CNN’s Dana Bash said.
I’m shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of @CNN political commentator Alice Stewart. Alice and I worked together at CNN for years, and she was my favorite Republican. We disagreed on nearly every issue, but she was always civil and respectful. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/BgaBnKXuJb
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 18, 2024