The Kansas county official who drew backlash last week for remarks made to a black woman about being a member of the “master race” resigned Tuesday, according to a resignation letter obtained by The Hill.

In a letter addressed to Leavenworth County Clerk Janet Klasinski, Klemp wrote that he was stepping down from his role as Leavenworth county commissioner and stated his regret for comments me made at a public hearing.

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“In order to maintain a focus and prioritize the needs of the county I have made a decision to resign,” Klemp wrote. “I regret my recent comment made during a Leavenworth County Commission Meeting and for the negative backlash to the community.”

Klemp sparked widespread backlash last week when video surfaced that showed him referring to himself and a black woman who was presenting on behalf of a landscape and architectural firm as part of the “master race.”

“I don’t want to think I’m picking on you because we’re part of the master race,” said Klemp, who is white. “You know you got a gap in your teeth you’re the master. Don’t ever forget that.”

Klemp’s comments prompted Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer (R) to call for his resignation.

Klemp, in his resignation letter, appeared to refer to the comments as "attempts at identifying a similarity."

"My attempts at identifying a similarity (space between our teeth) with a presenter were well-meaning but misinterpreted by some and definitely not racially motivated," he wrote in the letter, adding that he had since reached out to the woman to express his regret for his remarks.

Klemp is not an elected official. He was appointed to his position by the Republican committee, The New York Times reported.

Klemp has made controversial statements about race in the past, according to local reports. He once referred to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee as a “wonderful part of history.”