While working at the Moscow City Committee of the CPSU, he was responsible for organizing mass events in the capital, with demonstrations and processions, sports and tourism.

He was a deputy head of the headquarters for the Goodwill Games in 1984 and the 12th World Festival of Youth and Students in 1985, participated in events related to the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia.

He participated in the organization of concerts, with "Alla Pugacheva's Christmas Meetings", and toured of world music stars together with Stas Namin.

In 1999, Popov was appointed deputy head of the headquarters of the Unity electoral bloc in the elections to the State Duma, then was promoted as the chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Unity party from 2000 to 2001, and was the chairman of the commission of the political council of the party on regional policy.

From January to December 2012, he was demoted to First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organizations.

On 29 September 2016, Popov became a Member of the Federation Council, a representative of the legislative authority of Omsk Oblast.

Popov left the Federation Council in February 2018, as he has been Advisor to the General Director of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos.

As a member of parliament of the State Duma, Popov from 2004 to 2016, had more than 50 laws adopted, providing for: He is married and has a son, Andrey.