His wife, Teresa Uriarte, was director of UNAM's Institute of Aesthetics Research.

His great-grandfather fought on the side of Mexican President Benito Juárez in the War of Reform, and his grandfather was Governor of Sinaloa as well as federal deputy.

Labastida served as governor of Sinaloa (1987–1992), defeating Manuel Clouthier of the National Action Party.

During and after his tenure as governor, Labastida was accused of protecting Sinaloan drug traffickers and overlooking their activities.

[1] Labastida was Secretary of Energy during the administration of Miguel de la Madrid.