U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, the Queens Democrat who shockingly lost a primary in June to democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is laying the groundwork for a future political run – perhaps in Albany.

Crowley recently formed a state-level campaign committee (not a federal one,) “Joe for NY,” and is holding an upcoming high-dollar fundraiser in Manhattan, where the maximum suggested donation is $10,000.

According to an email sent by Walter Swett of the firm Dynamic SRG, who is the Crowley committee’s campaign treasurer, the committee was “established to position Joe for future opportunities in public service.”

Obviously, it’s too late for Crowley to run for any high-level statewide office this election cycle. He still retains power as chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, was a well-like and high-ranking member of Congress, a prolific fundraiser, and earned kudos for a classy concession after Ocasio-Cortez’s surprise win.

Crowley is a former member of the Assembly, but would likely be eyeing bigger things. Perhaps not coincidentally, the publication IrishCentral recently floated Crowley’s name for statewide office, noting that, “While white ethnic Catholic no longer plays that well in Queens, it is a powerful identity statewide. (Think governors Cuomo, Pataki.)…He will be back.”

“Besides raising his family, Joe’s greatest honor has been serving the people New York,” said Lauren French, a Crowley political spokesperson. “And while there are continued threats against the values Joe holds dear, he will continue to champion inalienable rights of Americans to have housing, health care, education, justice, and live with dignity and respect. There are no announcements about Joe’s next chapter at the moment, but he is eager to continue his fight for all Americans and all New Yorkers.”

Here’s the invite: