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It’s pretty much become standard operating procedure these days whenever there is a vacancy in a House or Senate seat in most states. Some states have laws that mandate special elections be held within a period of time following the announcement of the vacancy.

For example, in the state of Washington election law states:
(1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the United States house of representatives or the United States senate from this state, the governor shall order a special election to fill the vacancy. Minor political party candidates and independent candidates may be nominated through the convention procedures provided in chapter 29A.20 RCW.

(2) Within ten days of such vacancy occurring, he or she shall issue a writ of election fixing a date for the primary at least seventy days after issuance of the writ, and fixing a date for the election at least seventy days after the date of the primary. If the vacancy is in the office of United States representative, the writ of election shall specify the congressional district that is vacant.