Democrat Jon Ossoff declined to participate in a debate with his Republican opponent Karen Handel ahead of their closely watched special election for a Georgia House seat.

The Atlanta Press Club announced Sunday Ossoff declined the invitation for a CNN/Press Club debate with Handel on June 13. Handel previously agreed to participate on May 31.

"We regret Jon Ossoff has declined to be a part of this debate, which would have helped inform the voters of Georgia's 6th Congressional District and engaged viewers around the country," the Atlanta Press Club said in a statement.

Ossoff's decision to duck the debate comes as his race is becoming increasingly scrutinized for national implications. Democrats have not been able to notch a win in any special elections so far this year, and the party is desperately searching for a win to provide momentum heading into the 2018 midterms.

Ossoff finished first in the April primary, which involved members of both parties, but fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to claim the election outright. Handel finished in second and the two candidates have been running an increasingly chippy campaign ahead of the June 20 election.

The 6th District has been traditionally a Republican stronghold. The seat was vacated after incumbent Tom Price left to become secretary of Health and Human Services.