Suurhoff was conscripted in the Royal Netherlands Army serving in the infantry Johan Willem Friso Regiment as a staff sergeant from January 1925 until October 1927.

Suurhoff became a Member of the House of Representatives after Willem Albarda was appointed as Minister of Water Management in the Cabinet De Geer II, taking office on 21 September 1939 serving as a backbencher.

Following the end of World War II Queen Wilhelmina ordered a Recall of Parliament and Suurhoff remained in the House of Representatives.

Suurhoff returned as a Member of the House of Representatives following the resignation of Jo Stokvis, taking office on 24 October 1946 serving as a frontbencher and spokesperson for Social Affairs.

After the election of 1952 Suurhoff was appointed as Minister of Social Affairs and Health in the Cabinet Drees II, taking office on 2 September 1952.

After the election of 1967 Suurhoff again returned as a Member of the House of Representatives, taking office on 23 February 1967 but shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he died a month later at the age of 61.