Kansas official who attracted backlash for claiming to be from a 'master race' resigns

People all over the country criticized the Kansas county commissioner who claimed he was part of "the master race" while talking to an African-American woman. Now, he was reported to have resigned from his job.

Former county commissioner Louis Klemp expressed in his resignation letter – which was obtained by NBC News – addressed to Leavenworth County Clerk Janet Klasinski that he was going to formally step down on November 20, 2018.

"In order to maintain a focus and prioritize the needs of the county I have made a decision to resign," he wrote.

"I regret my recent comment made during a Leavenworth County Commission Meeting and for the negative backlash to the community," the letter continued.

Before his resignation, Klemp reportedly received backlash from his community and in social media as well. The county reportedly received many calls from locals after they learned about Klemp’s conversation with the African-American woman on November 13, 2018, during a board meeting.

The Leavenworth County Administrator spoke and explained Klemp’s comments, saying that it was “not a reference to Nazis,” but it was a remark about the tooth gaps both he and the woman have.

Despite Loughry addressing the issue, the people, including Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, called for Klemp’s resignation.

"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. I have reached out to the presenter and extended my regret and support," wrote Klemp.

When the issue sparked, Commissioner Bob Holland was one of the first people who called for Klemp’s resignation.

Holland also revealed that Klemp had made comments in 2017, saying his ancestors had a slave.