CivorenPast Campaign
Massachusetts State Senate District Hampden and Hampshire
Primary election
Massachusetts State Senate District Hampden and Hampshire, MAEnded 9/1/2026· Democratic Party
Past campaign details are available on the full race page.
JV
What is John Christopher Velis running for?
John Christopher Velis is not currently running for office on Civoren.
- Most recent race
- Massachusetts State Senate District Hampden and Hampshire
- Incumbent
- Yes
John Christopher Velis is a Westfield native, Army veteran and attorney who has represented the Hampden and Hampshire District in the Massachusetts Senate since winning a 2020 special election. A graduate of Westfield High School, the University of South Florida and Suffolk University Law School, he previously served six years as State Representative for the 4th Hampden District. He deployed twice to Afghanistan and now serves in the Massachusetts Army National Guard; in the Senate he chairs the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery.
Where does John Christopher Velis stand on the issues?
John Christopher Velis has a recorded position on eight issues. Each is Civoren's summary of the campaign's own public material, with the source linked.
Cost of Living & Affordability
SupportsVelis calls affordability his 'guiding north star' in the Senate, prioritizing ways to make life more affordable for hardworking families as prices rise and residents struggle to afford basic essentials.
“As prices rise and residents struggle to afford even the most basic essentials, John's guiding north star in the Senate is on ways to make life more affordable for hardworking families and individuals.”
Environment & Sustainability
SupportsVelis supports protecting Western Massachusetts' environment and natural resources, helping expand state recycling and zero-waste initiatives.
“Western Massachusetts is a beautiful place and John wants to make sure that it stays that way. That is why John has helped expand state recycling and zero-waste initiatives.”
Fiscal Responsibility & Budgeting
SupportsA self-described fiscally conservative Democrat, Velis fights to balance state spending and provide tax relief to residents on fixed incomes, leading the charge on state tax reform and repeatedly voting to suspend and eliminate the state gas tax.
“John has led the charge on reforming our state tax structure and has continuously voted to suspend and eliminate the state gas tax.”
K-12 Education
SupportsVelis supports strong public education funding, consistently voting to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act for K-12 schools, advocating for teachers, and expanding resources for public higher education and vocational schools; he was one of 35 legislators to vote against charter school expansion.
“John has consistently voted to fully fund the 'Student Opportunity Act' for our K-12 schools and has fought to expand resources for Public Higher Education and Vocational Schools.”
Labor & Workforce Development
SupportsVelis supports expanding vocational training and workforce development to close the skills gap in information technology, healthcare and manufacturing, and to secure funding for local businesses in Western Massachusetts.
“Throughout his time in the Senate, John has supported expanding vocational training and fought to secure funding for local businesses throughout Western Massachusetts.”
Law Enforcement & First Responders
SupportsVelis supports ensuring first responders have the training, support and equipment they need, and champions a priority bill providing accidental disability retirement for firefighters diagnosed with Parkinson's disease; he is a consistent supporter of law enforcement, endorsed by numerous police unions.
“John believes we should ensure that all first responders have the training, support and equipment to take care of them when they are in need.”
Education
Education details are not available yet
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Endorsements for John Christopher Velis
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Support for John Christopher Velis · 9/19/2026
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Past Elections
Contact
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