Elizabeth Crowley conceded the Democratic primary for Queens borough president on Tuesday, essentially cementing City Councilman Donovan Richards as the winner.

“While the Board of Elections has not officially called the race, and some districts are still getting tallied, the numbers to win are just not with us,” Crowley wrote on Twitter and in an email to supporters. “I recently called Council Member Donovan Richards to congratulate him and to give him my full support as he becomes the Democratic nominee for Queens borough president.”

The election night tally left Richards with 37% of the vote to Crowley’s 28%, a sizable lead of about 10,000 votes. But Crowley did not immediately concede the race, and some 91,000 absentee ballots were received by the Board of Elections, which is still sorting through them.

Richards will be the heavy favorite against Queens County Republican Chairwoman Joann Ariola in the November general election.

The opening for borough president was created when Melinda Katz was elected Queens district attorney last fall. But the process of replacing her has been uniquely challenging.

A special election to fill her seat for the remainder of the year was scheduled for March 24, but was postponed and later canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, acting Borough President Sharon Lee will continue in the role through the end of the year.

The winner of the November election will serve the remainder of Katz’s term, through December 2021. Another election will be held next year, with the winner to serve a full four-year term.