SOUTHWICK – Republican John F. Cain is running for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire State Senate seat.

Cain’s campaign camp announced Dec. 19 that Cain would seek the seat in a special election in March. Current state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr. resigned his position to become Westfield’s mayor. He will be sworn-in Jan. 6.

Cain announced last summer he would challenge longtime U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal for his Western Massachusetts seat.

Earlier this week Cain said he was encouraged by supporters to switch gears and run for Senate.

Cain stated “after listening to what the people want and need; this is what I must do. Western Mass. is losing the voice of longtime incumbent Don Humason and I am the candidate who will most closely reflect the values of the people and continue the legacy that Sen. Humason has established.”

Cain said he has been listening to residents and their concerns.

“Every day, my work takes me out into our communities. I have heard from the people and will continue to listen to their concerns and provide realistic solutions to address them,” said Cain. “Numerous people have asked me to step up to fill this vacancy. Their confidence and support will allow me to truly make a difference, not only for my family, but for every person and family that I represent. I am giving the people a choice. The choice they have asked for- the choice to succeed.”

Cain, a small business owner in Agawam, notes that he has seen the difficulties that are confronting business owners and hardworking employees. He said he has also seen how difficult it is for voters to “really know who they are electing” because of the lack of transparency in the state legislature.

Cain said he plans to address these issues, as well as the opioid crisis affecting the district communities.

Cain is beginning to collect signatures and shifting his campaign to meet the requirements of the special election set for March 31, 2020.

So far, Cain and current state Rep. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, are the only announced candidates. Velis said last winter that if Humason was elected mayor, he would run for Senate.

Velis has been campaigning for several months, knocking on doors in all 11 communities of the district. He said he welcomes an opponent.

“One of the greatest things about America is that any person; regardless of race, gender, or religious faith can step forward and run for office,” he said. “Last year over the course of a deployment to Afghanistan I had the opportunity to observe parliamentary elections where that basic right to run for office was not only not guaranteed; in many instances those who decided to run were targeted, killed, and kidnapped. So, it’s something that can never be taken for granted and I appreciate anyone who is brave enough to put their name out there and run for office. I look forward to continuing to run a grassroots campaign centered around the issues I’ve been hearing about from voters at our events, at the doors, and throughout the district.”

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Agawam Mayor William B. Sapelli endorsed current State Representative John C. Velis in his bid for the Second Hampden and Hampshire District State Senate seat. The endorsement was made public on Dec. 19

“I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli,” Velis said.

Sapelli commented, “It is refreshing to support a candidate who has the energy and enthusiasm that John displays. He comes with a military background and a strong work ethic. I am confident that he will be successful in representing Western Mass. issues as our State Senator.”

Velis added, “Mayor Sapelli’s endorsement sets a great example for Agawam and the Second Hampden and Hampshire district as a whole. Neither of us are concerned with the partisan issues that dictate so much of our everyday political discourse, we are here to find real solutions to the real everyday problems our constituents face.”