Liberals are hailing a three-way fight to lead the Congressional Progressive Caucus as a sign of the growing influence of the Democratic left on Capitol Hill.

“It’s a sign of the caucus’s growing strength and vitality that this is going on,” said Robert Borosage, co-director of the Campaign for America’s Future, a liberal group that will host a forum Tuesday with two of the three contenders.

Woolsey is co-chairwoman with Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), who is stepping aside and is expected to become chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Woolsey had planned to step down, then reversed course and announced she would run again.

Ellison, the first Muslim to serve in Congress, is the newest contender, returning from his freshman term. Grijalva, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, has been active on the environment and support for immigrants.

The contest comes as most leadership fights have fizzled or been settled by the intervention of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

In the past, the leader of the liberal group was chosen by consensus, or someone would agree to serve.

But this year nine of the 13 candidates the caucus supported won election, and its membership is expected to grow to 80 members. In addition, Democrats will control both ends of the Capitol with sizable majorities, and the White House will be occupied by a Democrat with a liberal voting record.

“The progressive caucus is on the map now,” Woolsey said in an interview. “We just want to make sure our new president and vice president keep in mind who we consider to be the base of our party.”