 In 1985, Binkley was elected to district 25 of the Alaska Legislature, where he served on the finance and fisheries committees.In 1986, he was elected to the Alaska State Senate, district M, where he served until 1990.During that time, he was named to several committee posts, including the Senate Finance Committee (1986–1990); Conference Committee on Budget (1988–1990); Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs (1986–1990); Sub-Committee on Commerce (1986–1990); and the Special Senate Committee on High Seas Salmon Interception.