Democratic Mega Donor Mostyn Dies

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) – A Democratic mega donor, who grew up in Smith County, has died after a battle with a mental health issue. A powerful Texas trial lawyer and prominent backer of liberal causes and candidates, Steve Mostyn, grew up in Whitehouse. Mostyn gave generously for years to top Texas Democrats. Last year, he donated $1 million to a Hillary Clinton super PAC. Mostyn’s wife, Amber, did not confirm a cause of death but said, “If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, or experiencing a health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right now.” Mostyn was 46.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa called Mostyn “the epitome of a Texas Democrat – big, bold, fearless, and caring.” Mostyn was a fierce critic of Texas Republicans, including former Governor Rick Perry, who supported Texas approving strict “tort reform” laws that limited how much juries can award plaintiffs in civil cases. In 2010, Mostyn bankrolled the Back to Basics group that supported former Houston Mayor Bill White’s unsuccessful attempt to defeat Perry — even buying television ads and full-page newspapers ads calling the governor “a coward” for refusing to debate his Democratic opponent.

“Steve Mostyn will forever be remembered as a tireless and fearless fighter for justice — in and outside the courtroom,” Rep. Chris Turner, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement. “Steve’s legacy of fighting for fairness for all Texans will live forever with the family, friends, and people he worked with and cared for.”