A graduate of John Marshall High School, LaBonge received his bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles.

He was a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 4th district, serving from 2001 to 2015.

He won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of long-time council member John Ferraro.

Before serving as councilman, LaBonge was Director of Community Relations at the Department of Water and Power, Special Assistant to Mayor Richard Riordan, and Chief Deputy to Council President John Ferraro.

Before his death, LaBonge resided in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles with his wife and their two children, Mary-Cate and Charles.