CNN political commentator and GOP consultant Alice Stewart has died at age 58

US News

From Katherine Donlevy

Alice Stewart, a CNN political commentator who worked on several GOP presidential campaigns, died Saturday at age 58.

The frequent guest on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” was found dead outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood of northern Virginia, law enforcement officials told the news organization.

They believe it was a medical emergency and that no crime is suspected.

“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” Mark Thompson, the network’s CEO, said in an email to employees on Saturday.

“A political veteran and Emmy Award-winning journalist who has brought an unparalleled spark to CNN’s reporting and is known in our offices not only for her political savvy but also for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”

It is unknown what illnesses the political commentator was struggling with, but her death appeared to be sudden. Stewart had appeared on Blitzer’s show just one day before her death.

“It’s always a sunny day to join the amazing @wolfblitzer on #CNN with @mariacardonadc!” Stewart said in her latest Instagram post.

The Georgia native has been an integral part of CNN since joining the media organization before the 2016 election.

Stewart began her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia and as a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas, before moving into the political world, CNN said.

She served as communications director for then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee before taking on a similar role during his 2008 presidential bid.

Stewart also worked as communications director for the presidential bids of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum in 2012 before taking on the same role for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign.

Sweart’s top CNN colleagues were quick to express their condolences on social media.

“The death of our dear colleague Alice Stewart breaks my heart. “We have been friends since the 2012 campaign,” CNN Newsroom said anchor Jim Acosta wrotereferring to his time working on Senator Mitt Romney’s campaign.