# GraphQL

`POST https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/graphql` with `{"query": "...", "variables": {...}}`. One typed graph of everything: ask for exactly the fields you need, across related records, in one request. This is usually the best fit for AI agents. The [schema](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/graphql/schema.graphql) needs no key, and introspection works.

## Your first query

```bash
curl https://www.chicagopolitics.org/api/graphql \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CHICAGO_POLITICS_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query": "{ ward(number: 4) { member { name } } }"}'
```

```json
{"data":{"ward":{"member":{"name":"Lamont J. Robinson"}}}}
```

That is 58 bytes, against about 4.8 KB for the full member record.

## Related records in one request

A ward's member, their latest no votes, and the legislation and meeting behind each:

```graphql
{
  ward(number: 15) {
    member {
      name
      votes(vote: NAY, first: 5) {
        totalCount
        nodes {
          rollCall {
            title date tally { yea nay }
            legislation { record aiSummary { summary } }
            meeting { body start }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Reference

- Root fields: `member`, `members`, `ward`, `wardAt(latitude, longitude)`, `committee`, `committees`, `legislation(id or record)`, `searchLegislation`, `rollCall`, `rollCalls`, `meeting`, `meetings`, `insights`, `money`, `donations`, `lobbyistContributions`, `lobbyistGifts`, `searchDocuments` (semantic), `answer` (AI, cited), `me`; mutation `contributeData`. Members also have `money`, `donations`, and `spending`.
- Lists page with `first` (max 200) and `after` (from `pageInfo.endCursor`). Every object has a `url` to cite.
- One query counts as one request; `answer` also uses an AI call. Limits per query: depth 10, 250 fields, one `answer`, three `searchDocuments`.
- Fields are added without breaking existing queries; anything retired is marked `@deprecated` first.

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/developers/graphql · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt