A wave of sorrow swept through the political landscape this weekend as friends, colleagues, and politicians mourned the unexpected passing of CNN commentator Alice Stewart, who died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 58.

«I am stunned and saddened by the news of Alice Stewart’s passing,” former New Jersey governor and GOP presidential hopeful Chris Christie wrote on X. “She was a political pro and a wonderfully nice person to just have a conversation with on any topic. I will miss Alice and will pray for her family.»

Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist and fellow CNN commentator, spent years engaging in spirited debates with Stewart on the network, yet they developed a deep, almost familial bond. “Alice was like a sister to me,” Cardona said on CNN, her voice breaking. “Every time that she and I were on, we never pulled any punches in terms of the debate that we were having on politics … but what always stood out was that we did it with civility and respect and love.”

“Alice loved. She loved her family, she loved her dog … she loved what she did for CNN,” Cardona continued. “She loved communicating her passion about politics and the importance of what she held dear, in terms of having these really difficult conversations—especially in today’s environment.”

Stewart, a Georgia native, had been a prominent figure on CNN since she joined the organization ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Her career began as a local reporter and producer before she became the communications director for Mike Huckabee during his tenure as governor of Arkansas and his 2008 presidential run. She later served as communications director for former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum during their 2012 presidential campaigns.

An avid runner, Stewart often shared photos of her races on social media, including the TCS New York City Marathon and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-mile race. She also contributed to the senior advisory committee for the Institute of Politics at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

Jim Acosta, another CNN colleague, expressed his heartbreak over Stewart’s passing. «We’ve been friends going back to the 2012 campaign,» Acosta wrote on X. «We spent so many weekends talking politics with the wonderful @MariaTCardona—they always spoke so passionately but with kindness and civility. Alice was my friend and I loved her.»

Kristen Soltis Anderson, a pollster with the GOP-aligned firm Echelon Insights, echoed similar sentiments. “She was beloved by so many of us in this field, was uniquely kind and gracious—always,” Anderson wrote. “Don’t want to tell someone how much you appreciate them.”