"He was like, 'You gotta bring me chocolate-covered bacon', because I've been talking about chocolate-covered bacon for years," Farley said shortly after arriving at the fair. 

She was joined by state Sen. John DeFrancisco, who served as the unofficial tour guide. DeFrancisco's district includes the state fairgrounds and he makes multiple trips to the fair each year. 

The pair's first stop: The joint Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Gianelli Sausage stand at Chevy Court. Eighteen years ago, another Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Rick Lazio, infamously said he was "so so on the sausage sandwiches." It's become a tradition for politicians to eat a sausage sandwich while visiting the fair. 

Farley didn't make the same mistake as Lazio. She embraced the custom. She ordered an Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions. Together with DeFrancisco, they sat and ate lunch in the Chevy Court picnic area. 

There were other stops during Farley's first visit to the state fair. The Manhattan resident viewed the butter sculpture, one of the fair's top attractions, in the Dairy Products Building. She purchased a few cups of milk from the Rainbow Milk Bar. And then it was on to the Horticulture Building, where she was treated to food from a Kosher vendor. 

The trip balanced the leisure of the fair with a desire to win over New Yorkers in a tough race. Farley is challenging U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat who is a heavy favorite to win re-election. Farley has slammed Gillibrand for not having any significant legislative achievements and believes New York needs more of its junior senator. 

While Farley has been crisscrossing the state, she received more attention last week after President Donald Trump gave her a shout-out at a fundraiser in Utica. Trump was in central New York to campaign for U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican who represents the 22nd Congressional District. 

"I've watched you and I know you're really working hard," Trump said to Farley at the event. "Honestly, on the merits, you should win." 

Trump then criticized Gillibrand, who has been one of the leading critics of his policies. 

The mention by Trump led to more coverage of her campaign by national outlets, including Fox News. 

"It's been fantastic," she said Wednesday. "That's what we need." 

The main issue Farley has campaigned on is New York's status as a donor state. Studies have found that the state sends $48 billion more to Washington in the form of tax payments than it receives in federal aid. She wants to bring more of that money back to the state. 

With the additional funds, she said New York could improve broadband access, upgrade crumbling infrastructure, address ongoing economic problems and combat opioid addiction. 

"There is enough money. It should be spent in our state," she added. 

As Farley walked through the fairgrounds, few fairgoers recognized her. But it helped to have DeFrancisco at her side. A state senator since 1993, at least 25 people approached him near Chevy Court and in fair buildings to thank him for his service. 

Nearly every time, DeFrancisco would introduce fairgoers to Farley. And he would tell them that she has his support.