Yeah, but if Dems would win the seat in a special election, then they'll win it in November too. I don't see how they expect there to be a difference, unless they just want to delay the inevitable until next session. But Dems won't take back the house until then anyway, so it seems kinda moot.
I think they're just panicking and can't make rational decisions because they're desperate to hold onto power. Maybe also because of the turmoil of selecting a new majority leader this close to an election?