Starkey began his political career as business representative of the local Milk Drivers Union from 1917 until 1933 and again in 1942 through 1944.

He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1923 until 1933, serving as chief clerk in 1933.

Starkey was member of the State Industrial Commission from 1933 until 1939 and was vice president of the Minnesota State Federation of Labor for twelve years, serving as director of its research division in 1939 through 1942.

He served as member of the Ramsey County Civil Service Commission from 1942 through 1944 and was elected as a Democrat to the 79th congress (1945 until 1947).

Starkey was also a writer for trade magazines and commissioner for the Department of Employment Security for a decade starting in 1955.