He was previously the magistrate of Pingtung County (1989-1994) and magistrate of Taipei County (1997-2004). His first election as the Taipei magistrate was aided by a split between the New Party and the Kuomintang. His subsequent reelection occurred by a wide margin despite the ability of the pan-blue coalition to present a united candidate.
He became Secretary-General to the President when Chen Shui-bian was sworn into his second term in May 2004.
Su is married to Chan Hsiu-ling (詹秀齡 Zhān Xìulíng) with three daughters.