Jersey City Mayor Reassigns Aide Following DUI Incident

Phillip Orphanidis, a former deputy chief of staff to ex-Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in September 2025. Body camera footage from the incident revealed Orphanidis slurring his words and asserting his government position while demanding police contact the city’s public safety director. Following the release of this footage, current Mayor James Solomon reassigned Orphanidis from his role as assistant director of community development to a civil service position as a systems analyst, which offers greater job protections.

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The incident occurred on September 30, 2025, when Orphanidis's 2024 Cadillac Escalade rear-ended a Tesla in downtown Jersey City. Upon police arrival, Orphanidis admitted to consuming two drinks but denied being intoxicated. His comments included claims of political motivation behind his arrest, linking it to Fulop's unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign earlier that year. Orphanidis expressed frustration, stating, “This is fucking bullshit. Steve Fulop doesn’t fucking win the election. And fucking this?” He also insisted that police call Jim Shea, the then-director of public safety, during the arrest.

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Orphanidis faces multiple charges, including assault by auto, DUI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving with an expired license, and failure to possess a driver’s insurance card. These charges are still pending, with a court date scheduled for later this month. He has publicly criticized the perceived leniency afforded to other Hudson County officials in similar situations, referencing Craig Guy, the county executive, who was previously acquitted of DUI charges.

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Nathaniel Styer, a spokesperson for Mayor Solomon, stated that the footage demonstrated a troubling level of contempt for public trust and emphasized the Solomon administration's commitment to higher standards of accountability. He noted that the administration is implementing safeguards to ensure all employees understand their responsibilities to the public.

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Mayor Solomon, who has been critical of Fulop's administration, has attributed a significant budget deficit of $250 million to his predecessor's governance. Fulop has refrained from commenting on the incident or the subsequent reassignment of Orphanidis.

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• “I’m the fucking deputy chief of staff of Jersey City. I didn’t do anything fucking wrong. This is fucking stupid,” — Phillip Orphanidis

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• “The contents of these videos show a level of contempt for our neighbors, police officers, and the public trust that was shockingly accepted under the last administration,” — Nathaniel Styer, Solomon Spokesperson

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This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Jersey City's political landscape and raises questions about accountability and governance in the wake of past administrations.

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