First-time candidate is a stalwart animal protection advocate, and group urges Democrats in Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District to vote for him
Washington, D.C.— Animal Wellness Action, a national policy and political organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing legal protections for animals, today announced its endorsement of Pablo McConnie-Saad in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, scheduled for May 19.
McConnie-Saad earned the endorsement based on his personal interviews, his pledges of support for Animal Wellness Action’s 2026 Federal Policy Questionnaire, and the strength of his volunteer organization and campaign. McConnie-Saad is a first-time candidate, a former Biden Administration official, and a lifelong resident of the 3rd Congressional District with a doctorate in Public Policy.
“Animal Wellness Action is proud to endorse Pablo McConnie-Saad and looks forward to working with him when he’s elected to Congress to represent more than 700,000 Pennsylvanians,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “Pablo has pledged not only to support major animal protection legislation, but to lead on these issues — introducing bills, offering amendments, speaking out, and building support to advance humane policies in the 120th Congress.”
McConnie-Saad has pledged to support and cosponsor cornerstone animal welfare legislation, including the FIGHT Act, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, and the Greyhound Protection Act, along with a broad range of additional pro-animal policies. Congressman Dwight Evans, who has represented this district for several terms, has had a strong record on animal protection issues. McConnie-Saad has pledged to equal and then exceed the record of Congressman Evans on animal welfare issues. Philadelphia has a raft of animal welfare groups and tens of thousands of voters who care deeply about these issues.
Animal Wellness Action also cited McConnie-Saad’s political viability and campaign strength, praising his passion, strategic approach, and determination to succeed in the May 19 primary. His campaign has built a substantial volunteer operation focused on door-to-door voter engagement across Philadelphia’s 3rd District.
The organization further highlighted McConnie-Saad’s willingness to stand up to powerful corporate interests that too often work to weaken or block humane reforms. That commitment closely aligns with Animal Wellness Action’s mission to advance policies that protect animals while also defending family farmers, local communities, and the broader public interest.
The group noted that McConnie-Saad’s personal conduct and daily choices reflect a consistent commitment to animal protection, reinforcing confidence in his authenticity and values as a leader on animal welfare issues.
“Respect for the humane treatment of animals is a fundamental measure of a society’s decency and moral character,” Pacelle said. “We also recognize that cruelty to animals is frequently linked to broader patterns of antisocial behavior that undermine community safety and well-being.”
To read the endorsement, visit here.