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Jersey City Official Running for Mayor Arrested for DUI, Abuses Power
Footage shows Phillip Orphanidis, deputy chief of staff, trying to use his position to avoid DUI arrest and admitting to cheating on his wife.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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A high-ranking Jersey City official named Phillip Orphanidis, who is currently running to be the mayor of West Orange, New Jersey, was reassigned from his position as deputy chief of staff after humiliating footage showed him using his position to try to get off a drunk-driving arrest. In the video, Orphanidis can be heard telling officers "I'm the f--king deputy chief of staff of Jersey City" and demanding they call the city's director of public safety, while also admitting to cheating on his wife.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns about abuse of power and misconduct by public officials, especially those running for higher office. It also highlights the importance of holding elected leaders accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or political aspirations.
The details
The footage, released by current Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, shows Orphanidis' car crashing into another vehicle last fall. When questioned by officers, Orphanidis repeatedly denied being drunk, despite being called "heavily intoxicated." He also name-dropped his boss, former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and demanded the officers call the city's director of public safety. Orphanidis was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and other offenses.
- Orphanidis was arrested in September 2025.
- He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The players
Phillip Orphanidis
A high-ranking Jersey City official who is currently running to be the mayor of West Orange, New Jersey. He was previously the deputy chief of staff to former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.
Steven Fulop
The former mayor of Jersey City, whom Orphanidis worked for as deputy chief of staff.
James Solomon
The current mayor of Jersey City, whose administration released the footage of Orphanidis' DUI arrest.
What they’re saying
“I'm the f--king deputy chief of staff of Jersey City”
— Phillip Orphanidis, Deputy Chief of Staff
“You can be the f--king president, you're still drunk.”
— Police Officer
“My wife hates me. I f--king cheated on her and she f--king hates me, bro.”
— Phillip Orphanidis, Deputy Chief of Staff
What’s next
Orphanidis is scheduled to appear in court later this month to face the charges related to the DUI incident. The current Jersey City mayor has also initiated an independent investigation into the potential abuse of power and misconduct demonstrated in the video.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or political aspirations. It raises concerns about the abuse of power and the need for greater transparency and oversight in government.
