Senator Velis was first elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in a special election in May of 2020, and was re-elected in November of 2020 to serve a full term. He represents the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district, which consists of 11 cities and towns. Prior to his time in the Senate, he had served as the Representative for the 4th Hampden district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2014.

Senator Velis is the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Senator Velis is a licensed attorney and earned his JD at Suffolk University Law School. He is also a Veteran of the United States Military and is currently a Major in the United States Army Reserve.

Senator Velis currently resides in Westfield, where he grew up and attended high school. When he is not working in the district or at the State House, he is often out and about in the community, meeting with constituents and attending events.