The unfortunate reality for Ted Cruz is this: it reflects on HIS CAMPAIGN.
It is similar to the 'culture' excuse used to hit at those in the IRS who blocked conservative organizations from getting tax exemptions. They didn't have overt, direct instructions, so they did it because of the 'culture'. Numerous other examples claim the blame goes directly to the Oval Office -- whether by the FBI or IRS or DOJ.
This is no different. If Cruz did NOT know specifically, then his underlings let him down or they thought it okay because of the 'culture' of their campaign.
It is not so different from the excuses that came out about the bridge closing in NJ shortly after Christie was elected. He still claims he had no idea, but several of him immediately staff were the culprits.