Former Sen. George Allen, the presumptive Republican Senate nominee in Virginia, will participate in three GOP primary debates, his campaign announced Monday.

The state party announced on Thursday that it has invited all announced GOP candidates to participate in three debates before the June 12 primary. The first debate will be held the second week of April in Roanoke, the second will be held in the first week of May in Northern Virginia, and the third will be held in the third week of May in Hampton Roads.

Other Republicans running include tea party leader Jamie Radtke, attorney David McCormick, TV production company owner Tim Donner and minister E.W. Jackson.

Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine, both former governors, are heavily favored to win their respective primaries. They will face off for an Associated Press debate in Richmond on Dec. 7, as they were the only two to qualify in polling and fundraising.

Gov. Bob McDonnell endorsed Allen on Friday, giving Allen the backing of the highest-ranking and most popular Republican in the state. “We need George Allen fighting for us in the United States Senate,” McDonnell said in a two-minute online video.