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State Senator
John C. Velis
Hampden and Hampshire District · Democrat
Towns: Agawam, Chicopee, Easthampton, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, West Springfield, Westfield (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, Hampden and Hampshire · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, Hampden and Hampshire · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, Second Hampden and Hampshire · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, Second Hampden and Hampshire · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Representative, 4th Hampden · Democrat
An email with their new roll call votes when the Legislature votes, at most once a week.
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3
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Find my ballot →Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate
181 of 237roll calls voted on (76%) · whole Senate 99%
44no votes (24% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
10 of 77split votes where Velis was in the minority (13%) · whole Senate 14%
0times voted “present”
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 Senate | 181 of 237 | 44 | 10 of 77 |
| 2023–2024 Senate | 249 of 250 | 47 | 9 of 84 |
| 2021–2022 Senate | 258 of 258 | 48 | 15 of 103 |
| 2019–2020 Senate | 294 of 295 | 18 | 20 of 181 |
| 2019–2020 House | 159 of 159 | 53 | 20 of 105 |
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official House and Senate roll calls. Quorum calls are not counted, nor joint sessions and the vote electing the Senate President.
- “Roll calls voted on” matches the Missed votes figures below; voting “present” counts as voting.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no (ties not counted). “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes.
- “Whole Senate” combines every member’s record for the same session. Percentages are shown only with at least 10 votes to count.
- Most bills pass or die without a roll call, so these numbers cover only part of a legislator’s work.
- Party is shown as the Legislature lists it, next to the district. MassVoter never compares, groups or ranks legislators by party.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates legislators.
Committees and leadership · 2025–2026
- Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Chair
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Chair
- Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
- Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
- Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
- Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Most bills are shaped in committee before any floor vote; committee chairs decide which bills move. Source: malegislature.gov (committee lists as of Oct 10, 2026).
Missed votes
2025–2026so farSenateMissed 56 of 237 roll callsRank 40 of 40 senators76%voted2023–2024SenateMissed 1 of 250 roll callsRank 32 of 40 senators99%voted2021–2022SenateMissed 0 of 258 roll callsRank 1 of 40 senators · Every roll call100%voted2019–2020SenateMissed 1 of 295 roll calls (served part of the session)Rank 28 of 41 senators99%votedRoll calls this member did not vote on, while serving in the Senate. Ties share a rank. The record does not say why a member did not vote. See every senator →
Campaign money
$143,399raised in 2025–26
$110,469spent in 2025–26
$124,841cash on hand through Sep 30, 2026
Where the 2025–26 contributions came from
Gifts from individuals
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,202 | $43,947 | $124,841 so far |
| 2025 | $98,197 | $66,523 | $123,586 |
| 2024 | $97,227 | $72,391 | $91,112 |
| 2023 | $93,951 | $50,308 | $66,175 |
| 2022 | $147,215 | $190,492 | $22,532 |
| 2021 | $50,766 | $35,058 | $60,147 |
| 2020 | $111,605 | $119,052 | $44,439 |
As reported to OCPF. See the full reports at OCPF
How to read this
- Candidates report to OCPF, the state’s campaign finance office. Most file with a bank that reports to OCPF, so totals are updated often.
- “Raised” is all money the campaign took in, including loans from the candidate. “Cash on hand” is what was left on the latest report.
- Shares count contributions only, from the line-by-line reports up to the latest bank report date, so they are shown as percentages. “PACs and other political committees” includes party committees. “Small gifts not listed one by one” are gifts of $50 or less that the law lets campaigns report as one total.
- Outside spending is money spent by groups that are not part of the campaign, such as independent expenditure PACs. The candidate does not control it.
- Federal candidates (U.S. Senate and U.S. House) report to the Federal Election Commission, not OCPF, and are not shown here.
- MassVoter updates these numbers every night from OCPF. Last update: October 12, 2026.
These numbers describe the money; they are not a grade. Raising more or less is neither good nor bad. MassVoter does not connect donations to votes or positions.
Financial interests: State and county elected officials, and candidates for those offices, must file a yearly Statement of Financial Interests with the State Ethics Commission, listing sources of income, business interests and real estate. Anyone can ask for a copy; the Commission tells the filer who asked. How to request a copy (State Ethics Commission)
In the news
- Senator Velis calls for action after veteran suicide reportWWLP 22News · Oct 9, 2026
- Senator Velis secures $50K for western Mass. veterans groupsWWLP 22News · Sep 23, 2026
- Sen. Velis secures $100K for Westfield’s Camp ShepardWWLP 22News · Aug 19, 2026
- Senators zero in on algorithms ahead of social media debateWWLP 22News · Jul 9, 2026
- OneHolyoke CDC names Nayroby Rosa executive director during annual symposiumWWLP 22News · Jul 2, 2026
- Mass. senator pushes data centers to pay utility costsWWLP 22News · Jun 30, 2026
- Senator Velis secures $75,000 for Holyoke YMCA locker room upgradesWWLP 22News · Jun 10, 2026
- Mass. senator urges data centers bear energy costs, not residentsWWLP 22News · Jun 2, 2026
- State officials honor fallen service members on Memorial DayWWLP 22News · May 25, 2026
- State Sen. John Velis returns after 6-month deploymentWWLP 22News · May 7, 2026
- Westfield delegation urges review of proposed reentry facility locationWWLP 22News · Mar 24, 2026
- Senator John Velis of Mass. recognized for disability advocacyWWLP 22News · Feb 26, 2026
- Senator Velis shares heartfelt student letters with veterans on Veterans DayWWLP 22News · Nov 11, 2025
- Velis leads push for support for military familiesWWLP 22News · Nov 6, 2025
- Massachusetts senator criticizes shutdown’s toll on familiesWWLP 22News · Oct 30, 2025
Stories that name John C. Velis in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Most divided votes
For each session, the 10 roll calls where the losing side was largest, with how John C. Velis voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.
2025–2026
To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No19–20 · Amendment rejectedTo save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedModernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis lawsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote11–26 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–26 · Amendment rejectedProposed Joint Rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–29 · Amendment rejectedEarlier sessions (28)
Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–30 · Amendment rejectedRelative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadershipAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No31–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: No29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: No29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–27 · Amendment rejectedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and servicesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–26 · Amendment rejectedRelative to forfeiture reformAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedRegulating sports wageringAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–26 · Amendment rejectedDriving climate policy forwardAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–28 · Amendment rejectedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes11–29 · Amendment rejectedEstablishing Congressional districtsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes26–13 · PassedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No13–25 · Amendment rejectedProposed Senate Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing and accelerating transportation investmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–25 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedOrder (filed by Mr. Galvin of Canton) for the adoption of House Rules for the 191st General Court governing the 2019-2020 legislative sessions (House…Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No55–103 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–23 · Amendment rejectedVotes by topic
Roll calls sorted by subject, from the bill title and the question voted on. A vote can fall under more than one topic; budget amendments mostly fall under Taxes and budgets. Tap a topic to see each vote.
Taxes and budgets 473
Water, sewer and environment 72
Health and human services 68
Roads, traffic and transit 67
Schools and education 49
Police, fire and public safety 41
Parks, recreation and libraries 30
Appointments and hiring 15
Housing and zoning 14
Elections and how government runs 13
Energy and utilities 13
Veterans 12
Licenses and permits 12
Bills they filed · 2025–2026
John C. Velis filed 79 bills as lead sponsor this session, including 4 filed “by request”. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Filing a bill puts an idea before the Legislature. Most bills are not voted on as filed: committees often combine several bills into one new bill, so a law can include a legislator’s idea without carrying their bill number. MassVoter lists what was filed, not what passed. Bills marked “by request” were filed for a constituent, as the state constitution’s right of petition allows, and may not reflect the legislator’s own view.
Health and human services 17
Schools and education 12
Veterans 8
Police, fire and public safety 7
Appointments and hiring 7
Taxes and budgets 4
Energy and utilities 2
Parks, recreation and libraries 1
Water, sewer and environment 1
Housing and zoning 1
Other subjects 34
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
John C. Velis signed on as a co-sponsor of 673 bills filed by other legislators this session. Co-sponsoring means adding your name in support when a bill is filed; it is not a vote. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Health and human services 81
Schools and education 51
Police, fire and public safety 40
Water, sewer and environment 33
Housing and zoning 32
Appointments and hiring 27
Taxes and budgets 26
Roads, traffic and transit 22
Veterans 20
Energy and utilities 16
Licenses and permits 12
Elections and how government runs 11
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Other subjects 353
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How John C. Velis voted
174 recorded votes as State Representative
Amendment Order for House Bill No. 4326, “An Act financing municipal roads and bridges”on adoption of the OrderVoted: Yes120–31 · PassedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2020 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes151–0 · PassedRelative to host community agreementsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: No122–33 · PassedTo protect persons with intellectual or developmental disability from abuseFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes154–0 · PassedTo authorize the conveyance of a fee interest in land in the town of MarionFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes156–0 · PassedAuthorizing the mutual release of all claims to certain lands in the town of NewburyFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes156–0 · PassedTo protect persons with intellectual or developmental disability from abuseApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes154–0 · PassedModernizing tobacco controlFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: No119–33 · PassedAuthorizing the release of certain land in the town of Cummington from the operation of an agricultural preservation restrictionFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes152–0 · PassedRelative to the Hampshire Council of GovernmentsFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes152–0 · PassedAuthorizing the city of Lowell to transfer and have air rights over certain parcels of park and state landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes152–0 · PassedVote without a bill numberOn Suspension House Rule 1AVoted: Yes126–28 · PassedProviding for the exchange of certain park land in the town of RocklandFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes155–0 · PassedRelative to campaign financeFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes155–0 · PassedRelative to educational opportunity for studentsAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes156–0 · PassedRegarding breakfast after the bellApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes156–0 · PassedRelative to children’s health and wellnessAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes155–0 · PassedRequiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while drivingAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes154–1 · PassedVote without a bill numberAttendance check (quorum call)Voted: Yes147–0 · Attendance checkModernizing tobacco controlApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: No127–31 · PassedModernizing tobacco controlAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No32–126 · Amendment rejectedVote without a bill numberAttendance check (quorum call)Voted: Yes153–0 · Attendance checkVote without a bill numberAttendance check (quorum call)Voted: Yes158–0 · Attendance checkModernizing tobacco controlSend the bill back to a committeeVoted: Yes36–123 · Did not passAuthorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire certain parcels of state land in the town of Needham now under the care and cont…Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes159–0 · PassedSource: official profile on malegislature.gov. Only roll call votes are listed; bills passed on a voice vote have no individual record. MassVoter never grades or scores legislators. How to read this