Commentator Alice Stewart Dead at 58: ‘Our Hearts Are Heavy’

The network reported that the commentator and longtime Republican adviser died of what police believe was a medical emergency early on May 18.

NN political commentator and longtime Republican adviser Alice Stewart has died. She was 58.

According to a report from the outlet, Stewart was found outside in a residential neighborhood near Richmond, Va., early in the morning on Saturday, May 18. Law enforcement told CNN that no foul play is suspected, and it is believed that she suffered a medical emergency. Her cause of death was not immediately reported.

Born in Atlanta, Stewart began her career as a journalist at local outlets across the South, and later served in communications roles for a number of Republican political campaigns and offices.

“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CNN CEO Mark Thompson told staff in an email on May 18. “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 also appeared as a commentator on many CNN shows including The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, which she appeared on just one day before her death. In an Instagram post on Friday, May 17, Stewart shared a photo of herself, fellow CNN personality Maria Cardona and Blitzer posing behind his desk.

Throughout her career, Stewart served as communications director for a number of Republican figures, including Mike Huckabee for his 2008 presidential run, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and, in 2016, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Stewart joined CNN ahead of the 2016 presidential election, offering her insights on multiple network shows. Outside of CNN, she and Cardona also co-hosted the podcast Hot Mics from Left to Right.

Cardona told CNN that the pair were planning to record an episode of the podcast on Saturday.

“I just can’t believe that she’s gone,” Cardona said. “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.”

CNN host Jake Tapper also reflected on Stewart’s death, writing in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted