Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson successfully defended the District 86 seat against Independent challenger Jeff Johnston Tuesday night .
With early voting numbers and 11 of 19 precincts reporting, Pearson had secured about 77% of the vote.
Pearson was first elected to the District 86 seat in a special election almost two years ago after the longtime incumbent of that seat, Barbara Cooper , died. He was expelled by House Republicans soon after winning the seat for protesting gun violence on the House floor…