Democratic voters gave Congressman Joe Crowley the boot Tuesday night.

But even as Crowley conceded the primary contest to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he suggested he was not interested in stepping aside as the Queens Democratic party's leader.

"I am pleased that the people of Queens look at me as a leader," Crowley said.

The loss, though, immediately throws his hold over the party into question. And it has led to some soul-searching among Queens Democrats, who do not know what the future holds. 

"I think it's too soon to tell. But there's no doubt that the future will be different," said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer.

Others dismissed the idea that voters were sending a bigger message this week.

"I wouldn't read into Joe Crowley's loss, as shocking as it was, as a repudiation of politics in Queens county writ large," said City Councilman Rory Lancman.

Privately, some Queens Democrats speculated that black leaders from southeast Queens might try to take over the party's leadership. Others, who are more loyal to Crowley, insisted many will stay by his side. One expressed concern that if Crowley did not move quickly to show he intends to maintain his hold defections might begin. 

"We need newer, younger, more diverse voices within the Queens County Democratic organization," said City Councilman Daniel Dromm.

"We are not happy about losing Joe Crowley but I think our future is nonetheless very bright," said City Councilwoman Adrienne Adams.

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson is also facing questions about Crowley's defeat. Crowley helped make Johnson speaker.

"I stand as my own person," Johnson said. 

Crowley's hold on the party certainly seems to be slipping. With his loss, as one Queens Democrat said, it's as if the emperor has no clothes.