The Virginia Bar Association, continuing a tradition started in 1985, welcomes the candidates for U.S. Senate from Virginia to debate at its Summer Meeting.

Incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, has accepted.

Capt. Hung Cao, who won the Republican primary race this week and therefore became eligible to participate in the debate, has been invited.

Weeks ago, the VBA notified the chair of the Republican Party of Virginia of the intent to formally invite the winner of the primary election to the debate.

The 90-minute debate is scheduled for noon July 20 at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. Lonnie D. “Chip” Nunley III, chair of the VBA Board of Governors and a partner with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in Richmond, will moderate.

The VBA plans to livestream the event as part of its goals to serve the public by informing voters on the views of the candidates in statewide races and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the election process.

The VBA, a voluntary, nonprofit organization of Virginia lawyers, judges and law students, is a nonpartisan organization. It does not endorse, support or oppose political candidates. VBA debates are not intended to in any way promote or advance one candidate over another.