Michael Durant

Michael John Durant (born July 23, 1961) is an American veteran, former pilot, businessman, author, and former political candidate. He fought in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu while serving as a U.S. Army pilot, and ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for the 2022 United States Senate election in Alabama. Durant was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). He participated in several combat operations, including Prime Chance, Just Cause, Desert Storm, and 1993's Gothic Serpent, during which he was held prisoner for 11 days. Promoted from Chief Warrant Officer 3, he retired in 2001 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 Black Hawk helicopter Master Aviator. In retirement, Durant published a book detailing his experiences, gave talks, and founded an engineering company in Huntsville, Alabama. He became politically active as a member of the Republican Party.