NJ Democrat’s DUI Arrest Police Video Humiliates Him as He Runs for Mayor [WATCH]

A Jersey City official running for mayor in West Orange, New Jersey, has been reassigned following the release of police bodycam footage showing him attempting to use his government position while being arrested for drunk driving, as reported by The New York Post.

Phillip Orphanidis, who was serving as deputy chief of staff to former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, was stopped by police last fall after his Cadillac SUV crashed into another vehicle.

The footage shows Orphanidis arguing with officers and referencing his position with the city as police questioned him at the scene.

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At one point during the encounter, Orphanidis told officers, “I’m the f–king deputy chief of staff of Jersey City.”

Humiliating video shows high-ranking NJ official’s DUI-arrest amid mayoral bid: ‘I’m the f–king deputy chief of staff’ https://t.co/CdeceSeMJS pic.twitter.com/YHiwZ9s5Zz

— FutureTrump2️⃣⏺2️⃣4⃣ (@RealTrump2020_) March 4, 2026

An officer responded sarcastically, “You can be the f–cking president, you’re still drunk.”

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The body camera footage shows officers repeatedly describing Orphanidis as “heavily intoxicated.” Orphanidis told officers he had consumed two drinks and repeatedly denied being drunk.

During the exchange, Orphanidis referenced his connection to Fulop and urged officers to contact Jersey City’s director of public safety immediately.

He also addressed the officers directly about police hiring under the Fulop administration.

“We hired all of you,” Orphanidis told one officer. “We hired more cops than any other f—king administration. It’s not fair, and you know it!”

During the encounter, Orphanidis also made personal statements to the officers about his marriage.

“My wife hates me. I f–king cheated on her and she f–king hates me, bro,” he said.

The confrontation continued as officers attempted to take Orphanidis into custody. Police eventually handcuffed him after he refused to comply with their instructions and transported him to the police station.

Once at the station, the video shows Orphanidis continuing to argue with officers. He also refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.

“If I’m any county politician in Jersey City, then I get f–king off,” Orphanidis said during the encounter. “If I’m any elected official in the state of New Jersey that f–king does this, I get off.”

At another point during the arrest, Orphanidis suggested the situation was tied to political tensions surrounding Fulop’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign earlier that year.

“This is f–king bulls–t. Steve Fulop doesn’t f–king win the election. And f–king this?” Orphanidis told an officer.

Authorities charged Orphanidis with several offenses, including assault by auto, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving with an expired license, and driving without insurance.

Despite the charges, Orphanidis’ campaign for mayor of West Orange appears to be continuing. West Orange is a township of approximately 50,000 residents located about 12 miles west of Manhattan.

The footage of the arrest was obtained and released by Jersey City Mayor James Solomon. According to Solomon’s administration, the city has launched an investigation into the incident.

Nathaniel Styer, a representative for Solomon’s office, said the administration has “initiated an expedited investigation with an independent law firm to review the potential abuse of power and potential misconduct demonstrated in these videos.”

As the investigation proceeds, Orphanidis has been reassigned within the city government. He was moved from his role as assistant director of community development to a position involving animal care and control.

City records show he will continue earning his $103,000 annual salary while the review is underway.

Public records and reports indicate that Orphanidis has continued campaigning for the West Orange mayoral position.

According to the West Orange Dispatch, he recently posted on X that he had been canvassing in the community and gaining support for his campaign.

His account on X has since been switched to private.

Attempts to reach Orphanidis for comment were unsuccessful. Phone calls placed to him on Wednesday morning were not immediately returned.

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