An independent expenditure campaign by the San Diego - Imperial Counties Labor Council helped reelect Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Castaneda and elect political newcomer Pamela Bensoussan.

The election results will tip control of the Council away from Republican Cheryl Cox to a new majority more friendly to workers and residents, including Castaneda, Bensoussan and incumbent Councilman Rudy Ramirez.

"The Labor Council funded three mailers to highly targeted voters," said Bob Nelson chief of the firm hired by local unions to help in their campaign. "Beyond just money, the Labor Council also contributed strategic and tactical advice that really helped us hone our product. The big winners are the people of Chula Vista, thanks to the union-funded campaign," Nelson said.