Alice Stewart, CNN political commentator and Harvard Institute of Politics board member, dies at 58 | News

Alice Stewart, a Republican political consultant and CNN commentator who was best known at Harvard for her advocacy with students as a member of the Institute of Politics’ Senior Advisory Committee, died early Saturday morning. She was 58.

According to CNN, police officials said Stewart’s body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood of Virginia and they believed a medical emergency led to her death.

Stewart, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, joined IOP’s SAC in 2021 after previously serving as an IOP Resident Fellow for two semesters.

Stewart was born in Atlanta on March 11, 1966 and graduated from the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism.

Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas W. Elmendorf, IOP Director Setti D. Warren and IOP SAC Chairman Michael Nutter wrote in a joint statement that Stewart was “a loyal supporter and a wonderful guiding influence.”

“As a member of the committee, she was consistently engaging and enthusiastic and consistently provided valuable advice to strengthen the IOP in mentoring Harvard College students interested in politics and public service,” they wrote.

IOP President Pratyush Mallick ’25 said in an interview that Stewart’s death was “incredibly sad” and praised her longstanding commitment to the IOP and its student members.

“Most importantly, she was incredibly welcoming and always willing to help students,” Mallick said. “Her loss is incredibly sad.”

Stewart began her career as a local reporter in Georgia before serving as communications director for the Republican presidential campaigns of former Arkansas Governor Mike D. Huckabee, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), former Senator Rick J. Santorum and former Representative . Michele M. Bachmann.

Mallick said Stewart helped invite many GOP members to IOP events and said the organization hoped she could help bring more Republican voices to the IOP’s program in the future.

“She was a great asset to us in making sure Republican members of Congress were aware and willing to come to the programs and events we hosted,” Mallick said.

IOP Treasurer Saba Mehrzad ’25 recalled how Stewart worked hard to ensure that her duties as a commentator for CNN did not distract her attention from the IOP students.

When Stewart once received a request to do a TV hit during a scheduled conversation with the IOP’s Women’s Initiative and Leadership Group, she didn’t cancel the event. Instead, Mehrzad said, Stewart gave advice to the students who had registered for the event before allowing them to watch as she recorded a live segment on CNN.

“I just remember how cool it was to see someone live on TV from the same room,” Mehrzad said. “That’s the biggest thing that still sticks with me – their willingness to integrate the IOP and involve students as much as possible.”

Several former IOP leaders praised Stewart’s continued mentorship even after her association with the IOP ended.

Victor E. Flores ’23-’25 and Nadia R. Douglas ’23-’24, who previously served together as co-chairs of the 2021 IOP Fellows and Study Group Program, wrote in a joint statement that “their influence and Commitment” shaped her own path at Harvard.

“Although we disagreed politically, their willingness to engage in difficult conversations inspired us and our fraternity colleagues to continue our advocacy across political boundaries,” they wrote.

Several current and former IOP students described Stewart as someone who quickly became a personal mentor.

IOP Vice President Ethan C. Kelly ’25 said Stewart was “someone I looked to for advice and guidance.”

“I’m in a state of shock and also sadness,” Kelly said.

Carine M. Hajjar ’21, who served in IOP leadership during Stewart’s fellowship, said their relationship endured even after she graduated from Harvard.

“She was always there to answer a text or give me advice about a job idea or other prospect and really cheered me on,” Hajjar said.

“She was one of my greatest mentors,” Hajjar said.

—Staff writer William C. Mao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @williamcmao.

—Staff writer Dhruv T. Patel can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @dhruvtkpatel.