Public Service
John was first elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in a special election in May of 2020.
He was re-elected in November of 2020 to serve a full term, and re-elected in 2022 for a second full term.
Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, John’s focus in the Senate continues to be on what is best for the people he represents.
As a Senator, John has fought to invest in our public education system, develop our state’s workforce, and support individuals struggling with mental health and substance use.
In his time in the Senate, John has also prioritized the needs of his communities.
Through state budgets and other legislation, John has secured millions in funding and bonds for infrastructure projects throughout his district.
In the Senate, John is the new Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery.
In the 2021-2022 legislative session, John helped usher the Mental Health ABC 2.0 into law, a monumental piece of legislation that ensures a Mental Health Wellness Exam for every resident.
For the past two sessions, John has also served as the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veteran & Federal Affairs.
His achievements for Veterans include:
-Spearheading the passage of a $400 million bond bill for the construction of a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.
-Leading state efforts to prevent the closure of the Leeds VA Medical Center in Northampton.
-Authoring the SPEED Act, hailed the most impactful bill for Veterans and their families in a generation.
Prior to the Senate, John served as State Representative for the 4th Hampden district in the House of Representatives from 2014 to 2020.
In the House, John represented the City of Westfield. He worked with legislators and state officials across the Commonwealth to ensure that Western Mass received the resources it needs.
John’s very first experience in government though was on the City of Westfield’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities.
To this day John credits the experience with showing him how government can make a tangible difference in the lives of residents.
Personal
Born and raised in Westfield, John attended Westfield High School before attending Roxbury Community College and the University of South Florida.
After completing his undergraduate degree in Political Science, John returned to Massachusetts to earn his JD at Suffolk University Law School.
During these years, John served as an intern in the Hampden County DA’s office, Hampden County Superior Court, the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office, and the White House under President George W. Bush.
After graduating and passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam, John settled down to practice law with his Uncle, Ret. Judge Peter Velis, a former State Representative himself.
In 2010, John joined the United States Army and deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his first tour, John oversaw all ISAF-NATO rule of law efforts throughout the Zabul Province in the war-torn nation.
After returning home, John continued to serve with the US Army Reserves. In August 2017, he spent a month near the North Korean border for joint military exercises with South Korean forces in the area.
John deployed again to Afghanistan during the summer of 2018 and was promoted from Captain to Major during this second tour on July 4th.
In April of 2023, John transitioned from the US Army Reserves to the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
John still resides in his hometown of Westfield with his wife Emily and their son Carson.
When he is not working in the district or at the State House, John is almost always out in the community, meeting with constituents, attending events, or playing hoops at a local Boys & Girls Club.
