Carly Fiorina barely made it off the ferry dock at Mackinac Island.
She was greeted by hundreds of supporters at the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference who roared a welcome as she arrived, holding bright red "Carly" signs and chanting her name.
Fiorina's stock has been steadily rising since the first GOP debate last month, when she appeared in the early, undercard event.
Her performance there caused an immediate ascent in the polls, earning her a spot in the prime-time, top-tier slot in the most recent debate.
Despite some doubt that she might fade in the presence of the top talent, Fiorina shone through again, landing blows on Donald Trump and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
As Fiorina arrived, she spoke with confidence about her rise in the race.
"I feel really encouraged, because what we know is that when people get to know me, and they hear who I am and what I believe and what I'll do, they tend to support me," Fiorina told reporters.