in 2006, labuda sought the democratic nomination for the open seat vacated by rep. fran coleman, who unsuccessfully ran for the colorado senate. in the party primary, labuda emphasized her experience in contrast with younger denver deputy district attorney alfredo hernandez, who garnered endorsements from a number of sitting representatives. labuda was able to spend more money in the primary, in part by loaning her campaign over $30,000, and won the nomination with around 60% of the vote.