On February 24, the North Dakota House passed HB 1181. It requires a special election when there is a vacant U.S. Senate seat. In 36 states, including currently in North Dakota, when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, the Governor appoints a new Senator. The new Senator then serves until the next regularly-scheduled congressional election. See this story.
Obviously some minimum time from a vacancy to the next regular general election (which is NOT the regular election for the Senate seat).
Candidate/incumbent rank order lists for replacements.
What if there was a mass attack on the Capitol ???
Total chaos ??? — i.e. NO Congress.
An excuse to have a Prez TYRANT — dictating the laws ???
46 states permit the governor to appoint an interim senator.
36 of these 46 states hold the election for a replacement at the time of the next general election. The other 10 may hold a special election at an earlier date, but depending on the circumstances it may be held on the same date as a general election.
Congress has time and manner authority over all senate elections, and should enact legislation requiring a special election to be held on the next first Tuesday after the first Monday in February, May, August, or November that is at least 60 days from the time of the vacancy.