He later was party to Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio, a landmark United States Supreme Court case, which led in part to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.

[1] From 1989 to 1993, he served as Seattle mayor Norm Rice's deputy chief of staff, and from 1993 to 1999, he was director of the state's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

[3] Della focused his campaign on energy bills increasing, after Seattle City Light raised rates four times in a year.

It is incumbent on the city to honor that agreement and move forward.”[9] Della initially voted to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a tunnel and open waterfront but would later oppose the plan.

In 2007, Della announced his reelection bid, and his primary challenger was former Seattle Ethics and Elections chair Tim Burgess (politician).

[11] Similar to his previous election campaign, Della was aggressive in attacking his opponent, stating that Burgess was too conservative for Seattle.